Three most important players for the Indiana Pacers for their end of season run
By Ryan Stano
The Indiana Pacers are fighting for playoff seeding as the season is winding down. This was the expectation for this team when the season started. They were expected to make the playoffs and be frisky in the first round too. Expectations haven't changed since then.
Indiana has a real shot to make some noise in the playoffs with the players they have on this team. They have the highest-scoring bench in the NBA and an All-NBA caliber player in their starting lineup. They have all this despite not having Bennedict Mathruin due to a shoulder injury.
As the season draws to a close, there are three players who are the most important for the Pacers. These guys have to play well to not only get the best seed for the team but also play well in the playoffs once they do get there. At this point, it's very unlikely that Indiana will play in the play-in game.
The first player is someone who has really elevated his game over the past month or so.
1. Myles Turner
Myles Turner is the anchor of the Indiana Pacers' defense. He is still one of the best shot blockers in the league. Not only does he close down the paint, but he's been able to switch better on the outside and stay in front of guards better than he has in the past.
Offensively, Turner has upped his game as well, especially in the midrange. Turner is shooting a blazing 73% from 15-19 feet, which is right around the free-throw line extended. When he pops to that spot, it's almost automatic for him. It draws the defense out as well.
When Turner is hitting his jump shot, he becomes an extremely hard cover because now centers have to leave the comfort of the paint to go and get him on the perimeter. His shooting can also shoot teams out of zone, which the Pacers have been seeing more often lately.
As long as Turner stays healthy and is able to avoid foul trouble, he's one of the most important players that the Pacers have. He's stronger than Jalen Smith, so he can still hang with the stronger post guys, and also still has the touch to shoot from deep.
Indiana needs Turner to be at the top of his game from here on out. He's done a very good job of being trustworthy. He has to keep it up. The next player on this list shares the starting lineup with him and is the Pacers' franchise player.