Pacers in the playoffs?

[floppymoose]

I think the Pacers get the 8th seed. Yes? No?

[naabzor]

i hope not. That would be a tragedy.

[daschysta]

8-3 with G. Hill starting, only losses being 2 points to SAS and CHI, the other being OKC on the road, and PG ahead of schedule likely back by mid march? Plus a home heavy finish? I would be surprised if they don't make seventh or 8 given Charlotte, Bosh being out, BKN being consistent in their trajectory... Detroit is playing well, I think they and Indy make it.

[CnG]

I‘d like to see them and Detroit get the last two spots.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Pacers aren't going anywhere even if they do make the playoffs. I'd rather them have gotten a top 7 pick.

[MotownMadness]

They are a tough team for sure. I could definitely see them getting in.

[Solid]

Think they'll make it...unfortunately.

[seohioguy]

Depends on when PG comes back and at what level. The last 2 spots are definitely up for grabs right now.

[bondom34]

I kinda think so, they have the easiest remaining SOS among the teams in the race for it. They're also better SRS wise by a hair. I say its them, Charlotte, or maybe Boston.

[seohioguy]

I don't think Ainge will allow Boston to make the playoffs.

[daschysta]

Pacers aren't going anywhere even if they do make the playoffs. I'd rather them have gotten a top 7 pick.

You should know that isn't how Indy operates by now if you've been a fan for long. We're good at pulling talent from mid to late draft. PG at 10, Roy at 17, Tinsley late first round, Lance second round, solo late second round etc... Our culture precludes tanking. Plus at full strength I think we'll be a tough out. Just look at the last number of drafts, we generally end up with comparable or better players than many mid to late lotto teams, and management will never allow us to sink low enough to pick top 3, so as a Pacers fan pining for the lotto doesn't really make sense. Not to mention many of the teams there year after year never have the success Indy has had recently, and very few teams just dip into the top 5 for one or two years and are back on their feet, usually it's more like 5+, and even then a single bust sends you back to square one, I don't know why so many seem to envy teams consistently picking up top. The Bobcats and Wizards are much more of a representative sample than the Thunder.

[BenoUdrihFTL]

I see them making it. They're merely a game out now, and of the six contending teams for the final 2 East playoff spots, the Pacers have the second best points differential despite missing their best player all season who might return in a few weeks.

[floppymoose]

Depends on when PG comes back and at what level. The last 2 spots are definitely up for grabs right now.

I'm assuming he doesn't come back. I think they still make it in that scenario.

[Scoot McGroot]

I think the Pacers get the 8th seed. Yes? No?

Tough to say. More than anyone this season, the team will go as far as George Hill's health will allow it. It's a tough team with Hill as the lead guard, and Miles shooting next to him. Solo Hill has filled his role admirably, and West and Hibbert are knowns. Hill is the iffy part. A healthy George Hill has simply been dynamic for us, and allows us to play in a vastly differet level of toughness. If he has another injury or misses 2 weeks or more? Season's over, and we're likely to fall into the top 10 of the draft.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Pacers aren't going anywhere even if they do make the playoffs. I'd rather them have gotten a top 7 pick.

You should know that isn't how Indy operates by now if you've been a fan for long. We're good at pulling talent from mid to late draft. PG at 10, Roy at 17, Tinsley late first round, Lance second round, solo late second round etc... Our culture precludes tanking. Plus at full strength I think we'll be a tough out. Just look at the last number of drafts, we generally end up with comparable or better players than many mid to late lotto teams, and management will never allow us to sink low enough to pick top 3, so as a Pacers fan pining for the lotto doesn't really make sense. Not to mention many of the teams there year after year never have the success Indy has had recently, and very few teams just dip into the top 5 for one or two years and are back on their feet, usually it's more like 5+, and even then a single bust sends you back to square one, I don't know why so many seem to envy teams consistently picking up top. The Bobcats and Wizards are much more of a representative sample than the Thunder.

I didn't want to tank. I just would have been okay with a bad season. I don't ever want our team to not try.

[youOK]

Pacers aren't going anywhere even if they do make the playoffs. I'd rather them have gotten a top 7 pick.

You should know that isn't how Indy operates by now if you've been a fan for long. We're good at pulling talent from mid to late draft. PG at 10, Roy at 17, Tinsley late first round, Lance second round, solo late second round etc... Our culture precludes tanking. Plus at full strength I think we'll be a tough out. Just look at the last number of drafts, we generally end up with comparable or better players than many mid to late lotto teams, and management will never allow us to sink low enough to pick top 3, so as a Pacers fan pining for the lotto doesn't really make sense. Not to mention many of the teams there year after year never have the success Indy has had recently, and very few teams just dip into the top 5 for one or two years and are back on their feet, usually it's more like 5+, and even then a single bust sends you back to square one, I don't know why so many seem to envy teams consistently picking up top. The Bobcats and Wizards are much more of a representative sample than the Thunder.

I didn't want to tank. I just would have been okay with a bad season. I don't ever want our team to not try.

I know personally for me it was just w/e happens, happens. I wasn't really upset after very many losses this year as long as they try hard. It may have been worth it to have a bad season if we got in the top 5 but I don't really know how much more valuable pick 11 is then say pick 15.

[JazzUte88]

Pacers aren't going anywhere even if they do make the playoffs. I'd rather them have gotten a top 7 pick.

You should know that isn't how Indy operates by now if you've been a fan for long. We're good at pulling talent from mid to late draft. PG at 10, Roy at 17, Tinsley late first round, Lance second round, solo late second round etc... Our culture precludes tanking. Plus at full strength I think we'll be a tough out. Just look at the last number of drafts, we generally end up with comparable or better players than many mid to late lotto teams, and management will never allow us to sink low enough to pick top 3, so as a Pacers fan pining for the lotto doesn't really make sense. Not to mention many of the teams there year after year never have the success Indy has had recently, and very few teams just dip into the top 5 for one or two years and are back on their feet, usually it's more like 5+, and even then a single bust sends you back to square one, I don't know why so many seem to envy teams consistently picking up top. The Bobcats and Wizards are much more of a representative sample than the Thunder.

I don't think what they are doing is necessarily bad, I don't want to see a team intentionally lose, but it is a little bit painful seeing them win at times because the potential for more talent is higher in the lottery and this team isn't going anywhere this year, the chances of a All-Star prospect are much higher at 8-12 than 15.

Indiana doesn't need more role players, they need star caliber players to go along side George if they want to retool/rebuild their roster for another run.

[jc23]

Been saying all year that they have brought that 2014 Chicago Bulls mentality to this season. They make it.

[83SixersRocked]

I think so. Miami's not looking viable without Bosh and the Nets are hanging around but not making a push. Boston may have other plans though.

[Madhouse]

Pacers and Hornets in a nail biter. Pistons 9th Miami 10th