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Part deux. Better start. Nembhard out with bruised knee. Nesmith started.

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I know we ideally want to add another top lottery pick guy, but I really want to see this team make the playoffs this season

The offense has been great so far, but I really want to see how it fares in a playoff series against a NBA defense that clamps down, makes adjustments, and gameplans for your best players

It'll be a great barometer for how good this team's offense truly is

If the offense remains potent in the playoffs, that's a great sign, as it shows we're probably one defensive specialist away from being elite

If OTOH the offense stutters and stalls, that's fine too it'll be a great learning experience teaching the team what needs to be improved on

Given our schedule the Pacers are finally playing together. Offense looks much more fluid with lots of passing to find better shot opportunities. Less forced desperation shots.

Turner is anchoring the defense and with Jackson and Smith more active underneath it is working. Turner is aggressively rebounding like I can’t remember. Also players are finding him on post ups.

The addition of Tyrese and subtraction of Sabonis is giving Myles new life.

Depth is better this season. Pacers are not missing Duarte and Mathurin is showing he’s stronger than Duarte who was hurt too often last year.

Buddy and Smith are hit and miss but it hasn’t hurt the team effort because Tyrese, Myles, McConnell, and Nembhard have consistently played well.

Brissett contributing finally and Nesmith starting to come around is great. Hopefully Taylor gets back in the mix. I thought Rick went too long with starters in 4th quarter.

All in all we’re playing well, getting breaks on opponents injuries, and staying healthy enough to develop continuity, consistency, and confidence leading to wins. Fooled me

Pacers Forever wrote:Pacers are not missing Duarte

Nesmith's emergence has covered for him, but Buddy won't be here forever so Duarte will be needed.

The road trip will tell us a lot. are we really a playoff contender? in the hunt for the play-in? or a lottery team off to a good start?

note to the moderators: our game threads tend to be very short. what do you think of making a single thread for the coming 7 game road trip - or for each month?