The Indiana Pacers stole Game 1 on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers to kick their second-round series off on a high note. However, despite the win, it was clear that the Pacers have a few adjustments they need to make moving forward, with arguably their biggest one being their need to trim their playoff rotation.
In Game 1, the Pacers utilized an 11-man rotation. While not necessarily rare, it is not too common for a playoff team to play 11 players in a game. As the Pacers look to pull off the upset and eliminate the No. 1 seed Cavaliers in the playoffs, it is important that they trim their rotation and play their top guys as much as possible.
The Pacers need to trim their rotation as much as possible
An 11-man playoff rotation is typically not sustainable for the long run, but there is a decent argument for it. A deeper rotation means the team is fresher and more energized, which is huge for the Pacers specifically. However, it also runs the risk of keeping a team's top players on the bench for too long, which could be a mistake when taking on some of the best teams in the league.
The Pacers were in a bit of a predicament as Aaron Nesmith picked up five fouls in the game, including three in the first half. However, if the rest of the game was any indication, it is that the Pacers would benefit from removing a few players from the rotation entirely, especially Ben Sheppard.
While Sheppard is a solid player for the Pacers, he has struggled greatly not just in the playoffs but also late in the regular season. In Game 1 against the Cavaliers, the Atlanta native was 0-for-1 from the field and did not record anything outside of one foul in seven minutes. Additionally, he left a lot to be desired on defense and was a -8 on the court. It could change once Darius Garland returns from his toe injury, but as it stands, Sheppard is not worthy of a rotation spot.
Another potential candidate to be cut from the rotation is Jarace Walker. The jury is still out on what Walker's future in Indiana looks like, especially considering that he ended the regular season on a high note. He has come back down to earth a bit in the playoffs, but he may have enough intrigue to justify keeping him in the rotation.
Regardless, the Pacers are up 1-0 in a series that many did not expect them to be competitive in. Though they have some changes they need to make, fans should be happy about the team's performance and outlook ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday.