Indiana Pacers: Examining the top 5 lineups so far this season

3. Haliburton, Hield, Nesmith, Smith, Turner (36:40 MP, +21.1 points)

This top 3 Pacers lineup looks very similar to the previous one, with the only difference being the removal of Nembhard for the addition of Nesmith. The early results seem to indicate that Nesmith might be a better fit with the starting group than Nembhard if Nesmith can stay healthy. Currently, this group is averaging a +21.1 point differential while on the floor together, having played 36:40 minutes together.

Over the summer, with Malcolm Brogdon being traded for a package that included Nesmith, many Pacers fans felt that the return seemed underwhelming. And the jury is still out on whether Nesmith will have long-term value to the Pacers.

But early results seem to indicate that the Pacers might have done well in the trade, with Nesmith showing flashes of being able to heat up from behind the arc as well as play good defense on opposing wings. His consistency, however, will need to improve before anyone is willing to concede that this was an excellent return for Brogdon.

If one is keeping track, one will see that three players have been in every top lineup so far, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Jalen Smith. Can they keep it up?