Is there a word for something so unpredictable that it's, in fact, quite easily predictable? I'm guessing the Germans have one. Predictenfreud or something of the sort. Let's just run with it and say that the Pacers are the predictenfreudiest team in all predictenfreudidom.

After looking utterly lifeless over most of the past week, the team regained their verve on Sunday against the Heat. Myles Turner led the way with a monster game, putting up 34 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.

The big man spoke after the game about how cathartic his scoring outburst was, admitting that he's been letting frustration get to him. He feels he's more emotionally invested this season than years past and he's allowed that emotion to get the best of him at times.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, the guys on this team may be frustrating and inconsistent but they are GOOD GUYS. They have the right mindsets and they are focused on winning. I have to think that, in the long run, this is a group that will figure things out. Well, as long as injuries allow them to (more on that later).

Bennedict Mathurin did his thing again, which in 2024 means scoring the ball and crashing the glass.

Sunday was his fourth double-double of the season, giving him more this year than he had in the previous two seasons combined.

Pascal Siakam had another super efficient scoring night. He poured in 23 points on a cool 81% from the field.

Meanwhile, Tyrese conducted the show like you'd expect from a player of his caliber.

His scoring still looks a bit untrustworthy (I think we all wish he'd spent the summer adding to his game instead of riding pine in France) but his leadership was on full display. Don't take my word for it, Coach made a point to call it out in his post-game presser.

The Raptors

The Raptors are, much like one of my favorite bands to listen to while working, BADBADNOTGOOD.

After trading away big pieces in Siakam and Anunoby last year – and losing Scottie Barnes to injury this season – they find themselves in the midst of a rebuild at 2-12.

When looking at how our efficiency numbers stack up against theirs, two things jump out at me.

First, while the Pacers are quite pedestrian in points per possession, they've actually been in the top-5 of effective field goal percentage all year. What that tells me is that the foundation of their record setting offense is still in place. They can make shots as well as anybody. If they were just more careful with the ball, we'd be having very different conversations about this team.

Second, the Raptors are an excellent offensive rebounding team. That's always scary, considering the Pacers seem to treat boxing out like a cat treats water. It would be a real shame if they let an inferior team hang around all game because they failed to secure loose balls.

A shame, but uber predictenfreudian.

Injuries

Another one bites the dust. This time Ben Sheppard is out with an oblique strain. Myles is questionable with a calf injury.

Can't complain about missed games against the Raptors, however. Their injury report holds its own against ours.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:30 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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