Pacers Struggle Continue Amidst Injury Recovery
The Indiana Pacers are gradually regaining their health, yet the improvement has yet to translate into wins. Currently sitting at 6-26 after 32 games, the team finds itself in a precarious position within the NBA landscape. Their struggles have not gone unnoticed; in the latest power rankings from NBA.com, the Pacers occupy the undesirable position of dead last, ranked at No. 30.
Challenging Losses Pile Up
The team’s recent performance has been disheartening, marked by an eight-game losing streak. A staggering six of those losses have come by double-digit margins. As noted by NBA writer John Schuhmann, “The Pacers now have the league’s worst record, thanks to an eight-game losing streak where six of the eight losses have come by double-digits.” The Pacers have yet to secure a victory against any of the 15 teams with winning records, sitting at an unflattering 0-16 against that group. This week, they embark on a challenging stretch that includes seven consecutive games against these formidable opponents, with their first encounters against the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and San Antonio Spurs looming.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite the grim statistics, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Pacers. With players like Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and Bennedict Mathurin working towards finding their rhythm, there’s potential for a turnaround. Nesmith made his return to the lineup in the recent contest against the Miami Heat, which may signal that the team is on the cusp of improvement.
The front office isn’t expected to make major moves as the trade deadline approaches, with the core players from their NBA Finals squad likely to remain intact. This stability could provide the Pacers with an edge over teams looking to offload talent.
Room for Improvement in Power Rankings
The Pacers are not alone at the bottom of the power rankings; they share the company of the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks, all of whom are also likely to be sellers at the trade deadline. This creates a potential opportunity for the Pacers to rise in both the power rankings and the standings, should they begin to find their footing.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Pacers gear up for their next matchup, they will face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets to round out their road trip. Following that, they return home for a pair of games against the Orlando Magic on New Year’s Eve and the San Antonio Spurs to usher in the new year. The week will conclude with a Sunday afternoon game against the Magic, providing the Pacers with another chance to break their losing streak.
While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the Pacers remain hopeful that a healthier roster will eventually lead to a turnaround in their fortunes.
