Oh, to go back a year. The meeting with the Bucks in the NBA Cup Group Play set the stage for the rest of the season. We were treated to a delightful Haliburton performance, clutch plays in a big game, and spitting-mad Milwaukee fans. What I wouldn't give for a taste of those things tonight.

But, alas, this is 2024 and the Pacers are limping into tonight's game with no bodies, no leader, and no swagger.

At this moment in time, the Pacers are no longer a good team that is prone to dropping games to lesser opponents. Now they are a bad team, incapable of beating, well, anyone.

I'm not sure if it's a cop out but it's hard to say much about the current state of affairs without pointing to injuries. Sure the Pacers suck, but they are playing Furphy, QJ, and Freeman real minutes. Does that excuse Haliburton for his abysmal performances? Not at all. But at the end of the day basketball is a team sport – one that requires chemistry – and clearly these are more into the arts and humanities.

Ironically, the Pacers entire approach to the offseason was to run it back so they could pick up right where they left off. But you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men...

Gang aft a-gley, dear Twoaahians. Gang aft a-gley.

Positive News

TJ is moving up the franchise assist leader board.

Negative News (Injury Report)

Still too much chalk.

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!

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