Larry McMurtry once said that "Texas is rich in unredeemed dreams." Well, the Pacers should feel right at home. What started off as one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory – one that inspired even the most jaded fans to contemplate how far this team could really go... and how soon they could get there – has turned into a chore to watch. The team is listless, totally without direction.
The first half of the season was characterized by joy. The Pacers were the most fun team in the NBA. So much fun that opposing fanbases accused the league of rigging games in our favor because we were the "league's darlings." THE PACERS, DARLINGS OF THE LEAGUE. Think about the good vibes necessary to get someone who follows basketball to say that with a straight face.
The loss to San Antonio feels like a low-point for a few reasons. It's not that the Spurs are so awful that losing to them is rock bottom. It's more the cumulation of the way the team has been playing since Tyrese's injury and the trades.
After getting totally embarrassed by New Orleans in the previous game, a team with any kind of killer instinct would have drawn the line in the sand against a beatable opponent like the Spurs. Especially considering the troubles the Pacers have had this season showing up against bottom feeders. They should have come out firing and played like they were backed into a corner. Instead, they only managed to score 16 first quarter points and played like the inferior team. Frankly, they played like they didn't expect to win.
All year, the best part about this Pacers team has been how they've responded to tough situations. They've shown a lot of resilience and the ability to fight out of holes. Indeed, they fought back from a 12 point deficit and a 13 point deficit, respectively, in the second half against the Spurs.
But now they need to fight back on a macro level. They need to rediscover joy. Otherwise this season will turn into a crash that even a rubber-necker like myself won't care to witness.
Injuries
Doug McDermott is out tonight in Dallas (8:30pm ET), his fourth straight game missed due to a right calf sprain.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) March 5, 2024
Mathurin (left foot soreness), Nesmith (left quad bruise) and Sheppard (illness) are all questionable.
Luka Doncic is also questionable with an ankle sprain.
Jason Kidd mentioned Luka Doncic (right ankle soreness), Maxi Kleber (left knee soreness), and Derrick Jones Jr. (left shoulder strain) will be questionable to play against the Indiana Pacers.
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 4, 2024
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 8:30 PM ET.
TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
Subscribe to our email newsletter and unlock access to members-only content and exclusive updates.
Comments