The Indiana Pacers have been an early season surprise for many NBA fans. They currently are sitting at 9-6 and are on a four-game win streak for the first time in years. But why have they been good so far? In this article, we begin to answer that question by looking at the top five lineups, ranked by point differential per 100 possessions, that the Indiana Pacers have used this season that played at least 20 minutes on the court together. While this is certainly a small sample size, it gives an interesting insight into what lineups are currently working for the Pacers.
5. Haliburton, Hield, Jackson, Mathurin, Smith (33:31 MP, +8.8 points)
This first group is interesting, consisting of both members of the starting unit (Haliburton, Hield, and Smith) and a few players that have consistently come off the bench (Jackson and Mathurin). Haliburton, Hield, and Mathurin have all been consistent scoring options for the Pacers and it is no surprise that they show up in this lineup along with many of the other lineups in the top five.
Haliburton and Jackson have been electric this season so far, giving us one-look passes, amazing pick-and-rolls, and athletic dunks at the rim. With that level of threat at the rim, it has largely opened up shot opportunities for both Hield and Mathurin around the three-point line. This lineup is a potent one that could get points on the board quickly.
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.
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?
2. Duarte, Haliburton, Hield, Jackson, Smith (20:12 MP, +30.7 points)
The second-highest point differential lineup for the Pacers shakes things up a bit. Although, three players continue their streak of being in every top lineup so far (Haliburton, Hield, and Smith). Are you starting to notice a pattern?
The differences here are Chris Duarte and Jackson. Duarte has been hurt as of late, which has opened up additional minutes for players such as Nesmith and Nembhard. But when he was playing early this season, Duarte looked relatively solid. Averaging 9 points a game on almost 40% shooting, he has been a valuable role player.
Jackson has looked to make a year-two leap in his own right, averaging about 8 points a game on 60% shooting. In what does Jackson lead the team? Exciting athletic dunks that electrify a fanbase. Jackson looks every bit the part of an athletic big that can jump to the rafters.
Pair these two with the core offensive group so far (Haliburton, Hield, and Smith) and you end up with a group that has played just over 20 minutes together with a point differential of +30.7 points. When Duarte can get healthy again, it will be exciting to see this group play together once again.
1. Brissett, Jackson, Mathurin, McConnell, Nesmith (26:44, +33.3 points)
What is the only thing you should expect with the 22-23 Indiana Pacers? Expect the unexpected. And this group off the bench is no different. This lineup is wildly different from the others on the list, consisting nearly entirely of off-the-bench players.
McConnell largely leads this group, but the offensive powerhouse of the unit is Bennedict Mathurin. Mathurin has been spectacular in his rookie year and Pacers fans are chomping at the bit to see if he can keep it up for the duration of the season.
Brissett is the surprise of this group but has generally played well when he gets some time on the floor. The big problem is that he has struggled to get on the floor in the first place. But paired with Jackson for height and Nesmith for shooting, Brissett fits in well at the four spot.
The defense of this unit is what is largely lifting it to the heights. This group averages nearly 18% better field goal percentage, +10 blocks, and +10 turnovers per 100 possessions. To put it plainly, the other team struggles to score against this unit.
Pair that with the hot start of Mathurin and the shooting of Nesmith and it is no surprise that this unit is +33.3 points per 100 possessions. While the sample size is small, this bench unit is playing out of its mind and Carlisle would be smart to continue working with this unit off the bench.