The Indiana Pacers will enter the 2025 NBA Playoffs as one of the best teams in the East. They have secured homecourt advantage for the first time in five years and turned things around at the perfect time. After their conference finals appearance last year, the Pacers will look to put together another impressive run this time around. However, it may not be too easy for the Pacers.
Despite being a top-four seed in the East, there is still a lot of competition ahead of them. Though they have proven they are not scared of the challenge (and they even have a winning record against both of them), most would still put the Pacers a level below teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. However, even so, the Pacers are a legitimate playoff threat and title contender for a big reason nobody seems to mention.
The Pacers are not getting the respect they deserve
A lot has already been said about the Pacers' major turnaround after a slow start to the season. In December, the Pacers were 10-15 and were on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. They have since turned things around in the new year to put themselves in the position they are currently in. However, even though it is no secret they had as big of a turnaround as they did, nobody is talking about exactly how well they have done.
Since January 1, the Pacers are 33-13. According to StatMuse, this is the third-best record during that span, only behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Celtics, and the Cavaliers, the top three teams in the NBA.
The Pacers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and have been since the turn of the calendar. However, it is not just as simple as one or two big winning streaks. The Pacers' turnaround has put them in the company of the three best teams in the NBA, which is not nothing.
As the beginning of the playoffs approaches, the Pacers are a team to monitor as a potential title contender. They made the conference finals last year and are even better this year. The team has improved drastically on the defensive side of the ball, and they are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA. Additionally, their resilience and style of play make them a feared playoff opponent.
The Pacers have not gotten the respect that they deserve, but that is not a bad thing for the team. They have regularly proven doubters wrong, which they will look to do once again when the playoffs officially start later this month.