8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

The Pacers’ upcoming schedule just got a whole lot easier

By Elie Deglaoui

Oct 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the shoes worn by New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray during warmups before the game against the Chicago Bulls at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the shoes worn by New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray during warmups before the game against the Chicago Bulls at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The Indiana Pacers were expected to sit comfortably in playoff position this season, and after their season opener against the Detroit Pistons, this sentiment was further enforced. Indiana didn't play their best against the Pistons, but they were resilient and came out on top regardless to begin the season 1-0.

Though the Pacers are a top team in the East, especially following their conference finals appearance last season, they have a tough road ahead of them. However, as is the case for many teams, the Pacers will face numerous shorthanded teams to start the season. Now, it is safe to add another playoff contender to the list.

The Pacers will likely not play Dejounte Murray this season

After two seasons with the team, the Atlanta Hawks traded Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. With New Orleans, Murray will be a crucial part of their backcourt and should help elevate the team to another level, which became evident during their season opener victory against the Chicago Bulls.

In the win, the former All-Star recorded 14 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, and a steal. However, Murray suffered a fractured left hand. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Murray is expected to miss four-to-six weeks due to the injury. The Pacers face off against the Pelicans two times this season. Both of those games occur within the next six weeks.

Indiana's first matchup against the Pelicans is on Friday, November 1 in New Orleans. In addition to the Pelicans missing Murray, they will also be without their young forward, Trey Murphy III. Then, just a few weeks later on November 25, the Pacers will host the Pelicans in what will be their final regular season battle against one another. Though possible, it seems unlikely Murray will return for this game.

While Murray is no MVP candidate, he is far from a slouch. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 45.9% from the field and 36.3% from the three-point line. He is a player who can take over a game if needed, and given how bad Indiana's defense is prone to be, it should be a big relief for the team to not have to go up against him.

Regardless, the Pacers will not have to worry about the Pelicans for another week or so. In the meantime, they face the New York Knicks in a playoff rematch tonight before facing the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and the reigning champion Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.

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