What’s next? 4 predictions for the Indiana Pacers in 2025

What's on the horizon for the Pacers?

Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) looks up during a timeout Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pistons defeated the Pacers, 130-106. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) looks up during a timeout Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pistons defeated the Pacers, 130-106. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

All things considered, 2024 has been kind to the Indiana Pacers. They made their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a decade. And despite losing to the eventual champion Boston Celtics, the Pacers gave them their toughest challenge of the postseason. Additionally, they acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors and saw star guard Tyrese Haliburton bring home Olympic gold.

As the calendar year approaches its end, here are four 2025 predictions for the Pacers.

1. The Pacers will make the 2025 playoffs

Currently, the Pacers stand at 12-15 and own the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. While far from ideal, it seems like the Pacers are finally getting into a rhythm. They won each of their last two games in convincing fashion and have started to look like their 2023-24 selves again.

The Pacers are still far from where they want to be, but in the Eastern Conference, they have a good opportunity to flip the script and become a playoff team once again. Another conference finals appearance seems unlikely at this point. However, they have defied the odds once and can do it again.

2. They will also re-sign Myles Turner

For many years, many have speculated about Myles Turner's Pacers future. This is no different this year as the long-time center is in the midst of a contract year. Due to the Pacers' slow start, rumors involving a Turner trade have surfaced once again. However, at this point, a potential trade involving Turner seems unlikely.

Pacers GM Chad Buchanan has publicly said he hopes to bring Turner back in the summer. Furthermore, Turner has committed to playing his best in Indiana and has given fans no reason to believe he will depart in the offseason.

At this point, all signs point to Turner re-signing with the Pacers next summer.

3. The Pacers will trade Andrew Nembhard

Despite signing a three-year, $58.7 million contract extension this past offseason, Andrew Nembhard remains a legitimate trade candidate for the Pacers. Earlier this month, NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that the Pacers could realistically trade Nembhard for financial flexibility.

"To be clear once again: No one is suggesting that there is any tangible Nembhard trade chatter circulating at the moment. Yet one salary cap expert consulted brought up Nembhard himself and told me he'd price the ability for a second-apron team to be able to acquire a contract like his — knowing they'd also land a quality player commanding less than $20 million in average annual value starting next season — at a minimum of one future first-round pick … without even factoring in how strongly Nembhard performed for the Pacers in last spring's playoffs."

Furthermore, there are questions about Nembhard's long-term fit alongside Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt. Nembhard is a talented player, but he may be better off as a trade asset for the Pacers. Trading Nembhard would allow the Pacers to get value for him and allow the Canadian native to get a better opportunity elsewhere.

4. Bennedict Mathurin will sign a contract extension with the Pacers

Now in his third season in Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin is getting his best opportunity so far. Due to injuries from other players, such as Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, Mathurin has started 22 games for the Pacers this season. On the year, he is averaging 17.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.7% from the three-point line.

While he has come back down to earth from his red-hot streak after getting inserted into the starting lineup, there is no denying that Mathurin is a long-term asset for the Pacers. At times, he looks like the best player on the court and is still just 22 years old with a lot of room to grow.

The Arizona alum is eligible for an extension this summer, and it is likely that he will come to terms on a new deal with the Pacers when the time comes.

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