Indiana Pacers: Examining the top 5 lineups so far this season
By Joe Lyon
4. Haliburton, Hield, Nembhard, Smith, Turner (67:51 MP, +12.8 points)
In the fourth top-scoring lineup, we get what has recently been the starting group for the Pacers. With nearly 68 minutes played together, it is also the most common lineup for the Pacers this season. There are some familiar faces in Haliburton, Hield, and Smith in this lineup.
Yet, there are some differences in this lineup from some of the others on the list. For example, Myles Turner makes his first appearance. Myles has been phenomenal this season, showing that he very well could become an elite-level center if allowed to thrive in the role. With the departure of Sabonis last season, Myles will get that chance.
The other interesting addition is Andrew Nembhard, who has played well this year to date. Andrew has shown an ability to move the ball as well as play high-level defense on some of the opposing teams’ better offensive threats. Between Nembhard and Turner, this is one of the better defensive units the Pacers put on the floors, which certainly helps their point differential.
Overall this group is +12.8 this season in their time together. Given this is the starting unit, and the fact that the Pacers have commonly gotten behind early in games with this unit, it is a testament to how well this group plays down the stretch of games. However, if the Pacers want to improve, getting this unit higher on this list might be a necessity.