Pacers vs. Pistons: 10/23

[boomershadow]

It is that time of year again. Last year was probably the most fun I have had as a Pacers fan in a good number of years. Hopefully things go smoothly this year. Looking forward to lots of things. Haliburton's growth as a championship contending level number one option. A full season including a training camp with Siakam. The continued growth of the younger role players. The Bucks rivalry. The WWE inspired feud with Knicks. The continued overlooking of this team because of the small market. You name it. I hope it is a great year.

The Indiana Pacers will open the 2024-25 NBA season in Detroit as they travel north to take on the Pistons on Wednesday. The matchup is the season opener for both clubs.

Detroit made two notable free agent signings this offseason, including former Philadelphia wing Tobias Harris and NBA veteran Malik Beasley. The Pistons also roster former Purdue All-American guard, Jaden Ivey, and 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham.

J.B. Bickerstaff now fills the head coaching role in Detroit after the Pistons dismissed Monty Williams after just one season with the franchise. Bickerstaff led the Cleveland Cavaliers for four years prior to taking the reins in Detroit.

Madie Chandler
https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/preview-pacers-pistons-241023

[Wizop]

Okay, we have a single game thread for opening night. Let's see if we get to page 2.

[Pacers Forever]

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[Pacers Forever]

Read on Twitter

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[Pacers Forever]

Read on Twitter

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[AussiePacer]

What a pass by Turner to hit Nesmith just now.

After a sluggish start we’re getting it moving now.

Detroit have some great movement on offence - they’re not going to be a walkover this year

[Wizop]

- they’re not going to be a walkover this year

I doubt we'll have many walkovers after last year's success.

[Pacers Forever]

Read on Twitter

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[Pacers Forever]

Rough start hopefully second quarter gives us better play after the nerves get out of the way.

[Scoot McGroot]

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Worst of all, completely non contact.

[Pacers Forever]

I’m really not happy that Ben Sheppard hasn’t seen the floor yet.

[Scoot McGroot]

I’m really not happy that Ben Sheppard hasn’t seen the floor yet.

You just spoke too early.

[Wizop]

I was going to just say I was unhappy but they owned the 4th q.

[boomershadow]

I didn't think the Pistons would be as bad as last year, but I wasn't quite expecting the nail biter that this was.

Mathurin had some big moments. TJ looking like he can do things like last year still. Haliburton looking like he was trying to force it.

[AussiePacer]

Mathurian was great.

Hali needs to get better at taking the shot when it presents. He’s too team first if that’s a thing, always looking for an extra pass.

Wiseman (if he can stay on the court) will get a lot of easy points rolling towards the hoop.

We’re going to win 50 games.

[Pacers Forever]

The box score shows 6 Pistons in double figures. The game showed a scrappy defensive effort by the Pistons for at least 3 quarters. Very impressed as I was expecting less from them.

The Pacers box score shows only 5 players in double figures but 2 of the biggest stars tonight were T J McConnell and Benn Mathurin. I was not impressed and a bit surprised by the Pacers poor play in the first half. They can’t dig holes and should be the team being chased not the chaser.

Siakam and Turner got theirs. Nembhard took the tough assignment of trying to stop Cade Cunningham. Tyrese had an off night. Nesmith idk.

Nesmith’s foul trouble paved the way for Mathurin to get more minutes and show out on offense tonight hitting big 3’s. McConnell brought the energy tonight and broke down the defense repeatedly.

It’s a win and I know they fought harder the second half to pull off the win. Almost feels like they stole it away from the Pistons.

[Grang33r]

Mathurin won them the game tonight. He was very impressive in the 2nd half. Free throws, hustle plays, three-point shooting... 14pt fourth quarter says it all.

Haliburton was awful. But made 2 key plays at the end that without them i am not sure we win this game- the bounce pass to Siakam and the three-pointer.

Freeman was impressive in the 6 minutes he played. I thought he looked more reliable when he was on the court despite not providing any numbers then Jarace Walker was, also in 6 minutes.

Toppin - Nembhard - Nesmith combined for 17 points, 1-5 from 3PT.

Siakam is a beast.

[Grang33r]

It’s a win and I know they fought harder the second half to pull off the win. Almost feels like they stole it away from the Pistons.

Definitely feels like the wrong team won tonight. Hope Pacers come out much more aggressive Friday night bc after the Knicks got smoked in Boston they will be extra pumped up, the Knicks could really smash the Pacers.

[Grang33r]

Wiseman (if he can stay on the court) will get a lot of easy points rolling towards the hoop.

For sure, but i also thought he was having issues defensively. When he was out on the court it felt like Pistons went at him every chance they got, and it was easy points each time. Offensively he looked very effective though.

We’re going to win 50 games.

I hope you're right!

[AussiePacer]

Wiseman (if he can stay on the court) will get a lot of easy points rolling towards the hoop.

For sure, but i also thought he was having issues defensively. When he was out on the court it felt like Pistons went at him every chance they got, and it was easy points each time. Offensively he looked very effective though.

We’re going to win 50 games.

Yep. Turnstile defense unfortunately. He’s decent at rebounding and boxing out, so we just need to try and get him the right match up defensively that he can handle (or we have someone else who can help cover) when he’s on the court.

Tonight was a dirty win that prior iterations of this side wouldn’t have found a way to win. It gives me confidence.

I hope you're right!