The Indiana Pacers have been the proverbial tale of two halves during the 2024-25 regular season. Through 46 games, Indiana is 26-20 and cast by many of its skeptics as a team that's destined to fail to repeat its 2023-24 success.
If the second half of the 46-game sample size proves anything, however, it's that the Eastern Conference should be on high alert—especially the New York Knicks.
Indiana went through its first 23 games in discouraging form, going 9-14 and failing to look like the team that reached the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. At the heart of those shortcomings was All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was shooting at a clip of just .415/.333/.855.
Over the course of the matching 23 games since, however, the Pacers are 17-6—and Haliburton is looking like the superstar fans were certain he'd become.
Over the past 23 games, Haliburton is averaging 18.4 points and 8.9 assists on .491/.405/.864 shooting. The results have been profound, as the entire team has seemingly taken a step forward with their floor general leading the charge.
The Pacers' most recent game was perhaps its most compelling yet, as the perfect storm was created en route to a 133-119 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Pacers are looking like Conference Finalists again
The Pacers have secured bigger wins this season, including recent victories against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. The win against Detroit, however, was a special performance from an offense that looked like the juggernaut that stunned the Eastern Conference in 2023-24.
More importantly, it was a reminder of the fact that Indiana has its own Big Three in Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner.
Siakam led the charge, posting 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 15-of-21 shooting from the field. He did so just one game after tallying 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals in just 31 minutes during a win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Haliburton rounded the Pistons win into form with 30 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while Turner tallied 24 points in 29 minutes—his fourth 20-point game in January.
With that trio rounding into form, the Pacers are playing like contenders again. During the aforementioned 23-game sample size, they're ranking No. 5 in the NBA in net rating and offensive rating, and No. 7 in defensive rating.
More importantly, they're looking like a team that the Knicks will continue to have trouble matching up against if both teams' current form holds.
New York has taken a considerable step forward in 2024-25, legitimately looking the part of a championship contender. With the SIakam and Turner interior playing at the level they are, however, the Pacers are perfectly suited to exploit the Knicks' perimeter-heavy rotation.
New York has strengths that Indiana will have trouble dealing with, as well, but Siakam and Turner will test their lack of ideal interior depth—especially if Mitchell Robinson can't get back to 100 percent.
The Cavaliers and Pacers remain in their path, as do the resurgent Milwaukee Bucks, but Indiana has reason for optimism. They're as hot as any team in the NBA, dominating on both ends of the floor and playing with the confidence of a team that won two playoff series in 2023-24.
Previously labeled a three-team race, the Eastern Conference is looking as deep as ever—and Indiana could be the perfect team to eliminate New York once again.