Pistons at Pacers Game Thread

Game Preview

What is there to say about two teams trying to walk the tightrope of giving their young players valuable experience while still losing games?

Let's start with the facts:

• Tonight is the Pacers home finale.
• Detroit has the worst record in the league at 16-64. They've lost 11 straight and 22 of 23.
• The Pacers are tied for the 6th worst record in the league, losing six of their last seven and eight of their last 10.

The tie in the standings is where things get interesting.

In other words, we need to lose to Detroit. But is that even possible against a team as bad as the Pistons? The inclusion of the league's best backup, TJ McConnell, and recent nominee for the Brandon Rush Meaningless Game HOF™, Jalen Smith, on the team's injury report suggests that the Pacers are going to give it the ol' college try.

The Pistons, though their record doesn't reflect it, have played stretches of good basketball lately. This week it looked like they might beat Brooklyn and Miami until fourth quarter collapses cost them both games. Perhaps against a skeleton Pacers team, Jaden Ivey and company will have what it takes to deliver in winning time.

Standings Madness

It's almost not worth wading into all the different implications of the final few games, but since that's the main source of intrigue right now, I feel duty bound.

Houston Rockets

Remaining games: @Charlotte, @Washington

One loss guarantees us a coin flip for the 32nd pick, two losses guarantee us the pick. All three teams are tanking, but Charlotte is locked into their position, so maybe they'll try a little harder. A loss to Washington would be something to truly celebrate over.

San Antonio Spurs

Remaining games: @Minnesota, @Dallas

Minnesota is still trying, but Dallas curiously is not. They announced today they'd be sitting many of their core rotation players, including Kyrie Irving. It appears they are trying to keep their pick this year, which is top-10 protected.

Portland Trailblazers

Remaining games: @Clippers, Golden State

The Clippers are trying to avoid the play-in, so they'll be tough. But Golden State, with a win and a Lakers + a Pelicans loss, could secure a playoff spot by the time they face the Blazers. It's unlikely, however, because the Lakers are playing the Suns tonight who have decided to rest everyone.

Washington Wizards

Remaining games: Miami, Houston

Miami is trying to avoid the play-in game so chalk them in for a win. The Houston game will be must see TV for Pacers fans.

Orlando Magic

Remaining games: @Brooklyn, @Miami

If Brooklyn wins tonight they will clinch the 6th seed and force Miami into the play-in. While we're rooting for an Orlando win, a loss might indirectly help them win the next game if Miami decides to rest staters before the play-in.

Links

Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star wrote a nice profile on Mathurin and his drive to be great. Stories like this make you excited about the rookie's future.

"He's been very consistent with me ever since the night after his draft workout when he wanted to come back in the gym and we worked on footwork for an hour and a half," Carlisle said. "He just keeps saying, 'Hey look, push me. I want to be as good as I can be. I want to be great.' His messaging has not changed. That's been very refreshing. Not unexpected. Right from the beginning when I met him you could tell that there was something burning inside of him that's unique and different."

Bennedict Mathurin wants to be great, so he’s being thrown into the fire

While Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner are being held out, Bennedict Mathurin is playing more minutes than ever and facing adversity on defense.

The Indianapolis Star, The Indianapolis Star

Jalen Smith did some good work in the community and deserves a shout out.

Let me know what you think in the comments!