3 studs, 2 duds from the Pacers' season opener win vs. the Pistons
By Scott Conrad
Stud: Pascal Siakam
The other big man in the starting lineup for the Indiana Pacers had a terrific game. Siakam filled up the stat sheet with 19 points, eight boards, and one assist shy of his own double-double.
The 30-year-old star had a +15 for the Pacers while on the floor. That was tied for second in the game with Haliburton. Turner had the time in that category, too, with a +20 against the Pistons.
Though he did miss one of his three free throws, Siakam made eight of his 15 shots. He finished the game with a slightly better shooting average than Turner.
Siakam looked smooth and confident in his first season opener with the Pacers. The former NBA champion and last year's midseason acquisition logged a pair of steals. Siakam displayed disciplined defense by not committing a foul or a turnover.
If Siakam's play is contagious on the defensive end for the Pacers, there is a very good chance that Indiana could not only return to the playoffs but have another deep run.