Pacers Struggling Early, Nets Aim to Stay Competitive Amid Injuries
Indiana Pacers vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Indiana Pacers will continue their Northeastern road trip on Wednesday night as they take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. After a tough 136-121 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Pacers are under .500 heading into their second game of a back-to-back following their matchup with the Toronto Raptors. For the Brooklyn Nets, they are trying to halt a three-game losing streak and remain competitive in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. The game is set to tip-off at 7:40 PM EST.
Indiana Pacers: Struggling to Recapture Last Season’s Spark
The Pacers entered the 2023-24 NBA season with high expectations after making an impressive playoff run last year, where they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, they have failed to meet those lofty standards so far this season. With a record that’s below .500 as of the latest game against Toronto, the Pacers have been inconsistent, particularly in their recent losses.
Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite leading by 19 points in the first half and shooting a scorching 60% from the field, Indiana’s offensive efficiency dropped off dramatically in the second half. They ultimately fell 136-121, with the Grizzlies dominating in the second half. Indiana’s second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin had a solid performance, posting 19 points and 9 rebounds, while point guard Andrew Nembhard added 14 points, all in the first half. Nembhard’s return from a knee injury provides a much-needed boost for the Pacers, though he is expected to be limited until after the New Year.
Offensively, the Pacers have had their moments this season. Ranked 10th in the NBA for scoring, they have been an offensive juggernaut at times, especially from beyond the arc. They rank 5th in the league for field goal percentage and 13th in 3-point shooting, averaging the fifth-most 3-pointers made per game. However, defensively, the Pacers have struggled to get stops. They rank 27th in points allowed, 29th in field goal defense, and 18th in 3-point defense. Additionally, they are near the bottom of the league in rebounding, which has compounded their defensive woes.
With Nembhard back in the mix and an offense that can light up the scoreboard, Indiana’s key to success will be improving their defensive consistency and finding more balance on both ends of the floor.
Brooklyn Nets: Battling Injuries and Losing Streak
The Brooklyn Nets enter this game on the back of a rough stretch, having lost their last three games. They are currently sitting at 9-13 and in the lower tier of the Eastern Conference standings. Their most recent setback came against the Chicago Bulls, where they were blown out 128-102. Despite a valiant effort by rookie Dariq Whitehead (18 points) and Dennis Schröder (16 points, 10 assists), the Nets were unable to get much going offensively in the second half, shooting just 40% from the field. Injuries have played a major role in the Nets’ struggles this season, with forward Cam Johnson joining the growing list of sidelined players after spraining his ankle.
Despite the adversity, the Nets have managed to remain in the playoff conversation. A major factor in their ability to stay competitive has been their 3-point shooting. Ranking 5th in the league for 3-point percentage and 20th in total 3-pointers made, the Nets have been efficient from beyond the arc, but their overall offensive output has left much to be desired. They currently sit 20th in the league for scoring and 16th in offensive efficiency.
On the defensive end, Brooklyn’s numbers have been concerning. They rank near the bottom in multiple categories, including field goal defense (last in the NBA), 3-point defense (24th), and defensive efficiency (25th). They also rank poorly in total rebounds, dead last in the league for boards per game. The injury bug has certainly taken its toll, and the Nets will need a more cohesive defensive effort to stay competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Conclusion
The Pacers’ offensive firepower will be a key storyline in this game. They’ve been efficient from the field and deadly from beyond the arc. However, Brooklyn’s defensive inefficiency—particularly in terms of field goal and 3-point defense—could provide Indiana with ample opportunities to exploit mismatches. Look for the Pacers to take advantage of Brooklyn’s porous defense, especially with sharpshooters like Buddy Hield and Mathurin ready to light it up from deep.
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