The Indiana Pacers are 30-23 at the All-Star break and are once again in prime position to make another playoff run. Last season, the Pacers made their first conference finals in a decade despite being the No. 6 seed. They currently own the No. 4 seed and might be even better than they were last year. While most consider the Pacers a level below the top Eastern Conference contenders like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, many still believe they have what it takes to take that next step. What that step is, however, largely depends on the play of Tyrese Haliburton.
The Pacers will go as far as Tyrese Haliburton can take them
Though Pascal Siakam was the lone Pacers representative at the All-Star game this year, Haliburton is a more critical part of the team's overall success. When he is slumping, the Pacers usually are as well. However, when Haliburton is on his A-game, it is no secret why team success usually follows.
As the point guard and the focal point of the Pacers' elite offense, Haliburton provides a ton of value on the court. He is a playmaker who can also score from anywhere. However, the Wisconsin native, like the Pacers, has been up and down all season. At times, he looks like the same player who earned an All-NBA selection last year. On the flip side, he has also had many games where he looks like a negative on the court. Regardless, Haliburton is important to the Pacers' success.
Now that the All-Star break is upon us, Haliburton has an opportunity to rest and prepare himself for the second half of the season. This should be a good thing for himself and the Pacers as they need him at his best if they want to be title contenders this season. Haliburton has had a solid season overall so far, even with his slow start to the year. However, he must be able to turn it on after the All-Star break to elevate the Pacers.
The Pacers get back on the court on Thursday, February 20 at home against the Memphis Grizzlies. This will mark the start of a four-game home stand for Indiana. As it stands, the Pacers are in a great spot to make another playoff run. However, in order to follow up last season's playoff run with another one, Haliburton must perform like he did when he brought the Pacers to the conference finals less than a year ago.