5 Pacers who could get axed from Rick Carlisle’s playoff rotation

1. Obi Toppin

Toppin has played the fifth most minutes on their current roster and is fourth among healthy players. Things did not go as planned for the eighth overall pick in New York, but he is having the best season of his career in Indiana. Toppin is shooting 39.0 percent from 3-point range while setting new career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes per game.

The 26-year-old should be entering his prime and had two years of playoff experience with the Knicks. Both times he stuck in the rotation, but his minutes were inconstant. Does head coach Rick Carlisle drop him closer to ten per game as the starters ramp up. It seems unrealistic, but could happen if the 6’9 forward struggles.

Beyond Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner no player’s minutes are safe. They will try to give those three extended minutes, but who steps up to fill the roles around them? The Pacers are still searching for answers. It appears Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith have solidified their places, but the bench is up in the air.

Coach Carlisle is not afraid to think outside the box. He could slash minutes of a key regular season contributor if he believes his franchise can get an advantage. The Indiana Pacers want to make a postseason, so stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.