One month into the 2024-25 NBA season, the Indiana Pacers' slow start has only continued. Through 15 games, they are 6-9 and own the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have not looked like the same team that made the conference finals earlier this year, and this trend continued into the last week.
The Pacers have lost four of their last five games. This includes a 130-119 loss to the Toronto Raptors, who had the worst record in the NBA at the time. Additionally, they lost to the Orlando Magic (who were without Paolo Banchero), the Miami Heat (who were without Jimmy Butler), and the Houston Rockets.
There is still a lot of time left in the season, but things are not looking good for the Pacers a month into the season, and this is reflected in multiple experts' power rankings.
Where the Pacers rank a month into the NBA season
Website | Ranking | Previous ranking |
|---|---|---|
Bleacher Report | 21 | 17 |
ESPN | 16 | 14 |
CBS Sports | 21 | 17 |
TheScore | 17 | 15 |
The Pacers are trending downwards, which is especially concerning given that not many experts were high on them at this point in the season to begin with.
One important note that could factor into the Pacers' rough start is their bad luck with injuries. James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson each suffered Achilles injuries that will likely sideline them both for the rest of the season. Additionally, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, who both played an important role for the Pacers during their conference finals run last season, remain sidelined due to a knee and ankle injury, respectively.
Furthermore, many suspect that All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has looked bad so far this season, may have a lingering back or leg issue as well. Through 15 games this season, the Wisconsin native is averaging 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. Additionally, he is shooting 37.5% from the field and 28.4% from the three-point line.
On the positive side, forward Pascal Siakam has been the team's most consistent player in his first full season with the Pacers. Furthermore, Bennedict Mathurin, who entered the season as a potential trade candidate, has played very well in his expanded role.
If the Pacers get healthy this season, they will have a good opportunity to find their rhythm and remind everybody just how good they can be. However, as it stands, the Pacers will continue to be looked at as an underwhelming team unless they can figure things out sooner rather than later.