The Pacers are coming off one of their worst losses of the season after falling to the shorthanded Charlotte Hornets at home. They've had basically a week off since that travesty, so let's just pretend that everyone was looking forward to the rest and the game was an aberration (it wasn't).
During the break, the team has tinkered with the margins of the roster. The changes began a few days ago when it waived emergency center Moses Brown.
we have waived center Moses Brown.https://t.co/IJmEFVOjtt pic.twitter.com/kjJVyXHl3T
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 9, 2024
His waiving opened a roster spot, leading many to conclude that another move was imminent considering the lack of big man depth on Pennsylvania St.
Today, we learned that Brown would be replaced by former Indiana University standout Thomas Bryant, who will be acquired in a trade that will see the Pacers relinquish rights to a future 2nd-round pick swap, once Bryant becomes trade-eligible.
The Miami Heat have agreed on a trade to send center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. The Pacers will send a swap of a future second-round pick to the Heat for Bryant, who is trade-eligible on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/7mFjeICgZW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2024
According to Tony East, this move will not require the Pacers to use their Disabled Player Exceptions, which they received as a result of the James Wiseman and Isiah Jackson injuries.
Thomas Bryant is on a minimum contract, so no DPE use required for Pacers. Just slides right in to their open roster spot created by waiving Moses Brown earlier this week. https://t.co/m2lLpSV9Wp
— Tony East (@TonyREast) December 13, 2024
From Miami's perspective, giving up Bryant for essentially nothing of value was a cost cutting move.
Roster/financial ramifications in Miami
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 13, 2024
Tax savings: $4.7M
Below 2nd apron: $3.7M
Players on standard contracts: 13
The Heat have 2 weeks to sign a 14th player.
They will create a $2.1M Trade Exception
The 76ers
Philly is maybe the only team in the league more disappointing than the Pacers. After acquiring Paul George over the summer, fans had high hopes that the Brother Lovers could finally capitalize on Embiid's dominance and be a top team in the East. Nevertheless, injuries have spoiled those dreams, as the Sixers currently sit a shocking eight games below .500.
While they play above average defense (thanks in large part to their excellence at forcing turnovers), Philly's offense has been horrifically inefficient.
Having said that, everybody looks good against the Pacers defense and we've already dropped on game to this beat-up squad. It wouldn't shock me to see Tyrese Maxey and rookie-of-the-year front runner Jared McCain go a collective 20/30 from deep.
Injuries
Injury Report for tonight’s game against the 76ers:
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 13, 2024
Ben Sheppard - Out (left oblique strain)
Aaron Nesmith - Out (left ankle sprain)
Isaiah Jackson - Out (right Achilles tendon tear)
James Wiseman - Out (left Achilles tendon tear) pic.twitter.com/FkdHSx1xbQ
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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