The Pacers just can't quite get over the hump in 2024. It's not like they have been playing poorly necessarily. The team is 7-5 over the last 12 games and, during the past two weeks, it ranks top-10 in both offensive and defensive points per possession.

It just seems like whenever the Pacers appear to be turning a corner, they stumble. Take the last game against Chicago as an example. After beating OKC and Orlando on the road in consecutive games, the Pacers gave the Bulls an OT win by mismanaging the final seconds of the game.

Myles Turner, who led the Pacers with 27 points, blamed the defense which allowed Chicago to shoot over 50% from the field and surrendered 46 points to DeMar DeRozan. According to Turner, "Our defense just wasn't good enough. DeRozan hit some big shots, special player. But as a whole, I don't think we were there, just that last part. This time of year, there's no excuses. You've got to find a way to get it done."

Tonight, the Pacers take on the Brooklyn Nets in the first of three matchups remaining on the schedule. The Nets currently sit in 11th place, three games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot.

Brooklyn is a decent enough offensive team, especially with Cam Thomas healthy and in-form. However, much like the Pacers, they struggle to get stops. Over their past four games, they have allowed their opponents to shoot over 50% three times, all resulting in losses. Things shouldn't get any easier for them tonight against one of the league's most potent attacks.

Hopefully the Pacers can jump out early and never look back.

Injuries

Doug McDermott is getting closer to returning but is out tonight.

Happy B-Day Stix

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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