The team got its first big win of the season against the Celtics on national TV.

I want to repost what fullsail said in the game thread because I think it’s a very level headed take.

I get that expectations are higher this season, but I think a year ago everyone would have been really pumped about this win. Even this season, if someone had predicted before the game that the Pacers would win without Myles against a Celtics team that began the year on an undefeated tear, we would have been super excited. Sure, losing a 20 point lead late in the game is disappointing, but when you play fast and both teams shoot a lot of threes, big leads come and go pretty regularly.

Despite the hair loss we all experienced, the Celtics game was something this team needed. It needed to win a close hard fought battle. It needed to get contributions from a variety of different players. In short, it needed a confidence boost.

The talent when things are clicking is scary. But much like last year, the question with this team is one of consistency. Early indications are that we'll see that wax and wane throughout the season – but the good news? Once the playoffs comes around, the need to find focus becomes less of an issue.

Even with our early season struggles, at least one retired loud mouth is calling us exactly what we were last season. The second best team in the East.

IJax Contract

Tony East wrote up a good breakdown of Isaiah Jackson (who looked the part as a starter) and his contract situation. Long story short, the Pacers are going to be walking a tightrope financially over the next few years, making an extension a bit tricky (as the roster currently stands at least).

Injuries

The Pelicans have a laundry list of injuries:

Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor soreness), Trey Murphy (right hamstring strain) and Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture) are confirmed out.

In addition, Jordan Hawkins (lower back spasms), Yves Missi (right lower abdominal contusion) and Daniel Theis (left ankle soreness) are listed as questionable.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 8:00 PM ET.

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

Tagged in:

Game Thread