3 Bold predictions for the Pacers in the 2024-25 season

3. The Pacers exit in the first round of the playoffs this season

Indiana is still one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. They now have some competition as we mentioned before.

It's possible that the Pacers are poised for another deep playoff run. However, their defensive woes have been covered up by their high-octane offense.

In the past three seasons under Carlisle, Indiana's offensive scoring has improved. That would be hard to do so a fourth year in a row.

Playoffs tend to offer a slower-paced game. The uptempo is hindered when better teams' defenses have a seven-game series to make adjustments and exploit weaknesses.

Defense wins championships and the Pacers do not have a championship-level defense. They have been in the bottom seven for the past four years in points allowed per game.

If the team can't commit to limiting their opponent's production on the court, it doesn't matter how many wins or points the Pacers put up. Without stops, they could find themselves with four losses in the first round like the Milwaukee Bucks did last season and be sent home early.