5 Bold Pacer Predictions
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — With the NBA season tipping off in just over a week, it’s time to have some fun with bold predictions, Pacers edition. While this team is still building towards the future, there’s more of a buzz surrounding the franchise this season, and there are definite playoff aspirations. Let’s dive in.
•Bold Prediction #1- The Pacers will NOT be in the play-in tournament.
The reason I don’t think they’ll be a 7-10 seed is simple: I predict they’ll actually be the 6-seed. It’s going to take a lot of good health and good luck to make this happen in a pretty loaded Eastern Conference. The Pacers won’t be better than the Celtics, Bucks, Heat, or Cavs. It will also be difficult to top the Knicks or Sixers, but they’ll have to beat one of them out for this bold prediction to come true, in addition to the other solid teams in the conference. Yes, the play-in tourney is more likely. But they don’t call it “bold” predictions for nothing.
•Bold Prediction #2- Tyrese Haliburton will make All-NBA 3rd team.
Last season, Haliburton was a beast, but still only received one singular vote for All-NBA 3rd team. This season, Haliburton puts together similar numbers but plays more games, and plays on a better team. Last season’s 3rd team consisted of Fox, James, Lillard, Randle, and Sabonis. If Haliburton doesn’t make 3rd team, he’ll be close.
•Bold Prediction #3- Buddy Hield will NOT be traded.
Hield recently turned down the Pacers’ 3-year offer and is in the final year of his contract. Several NBA teams would love to have him. If the right phone call comes their way, the Pacers will certainly entertain the offer. But if my top prediction looks possible, the Pacers won’t want to trade a valuable piece to their puzzle unless it makes a lot of sense. I’ll be surprised if Buddy is here beyond this year, but won’t be surprised if he’s playing in his first playoff games this season.. in Indianapolis.
•Bold Prediction #4- The Pacers will make a win-now trade during the season.
This may not sound like a bold prediction, but it’s been pretty rare for this franchise. The Haliburton trade was for the future. In other seasons, the Pacers always seem to be in the rumor mill but rarely seem to pull the trigger. Make no mistake about it: If this team makes a deal in-season, it will still happen with the future in mind. And it may not be a huge splash. But I can see plenty of scenarios where this team trades a little depth for an addition to the hopeful playoff push.
•Bold Prediction #5- Obi Toppin wins his second Dunk Contest in front of the home fans.
Toppin won the contest two years ago. There’s obviously no guarantee he’ll participate again this year. But with NBA All-Star Weekend coming to Indy, I’m hopeful for as many Pacer participants as possible. Toppin tears the roof off Lucas Oil Stadium and wins another trophy.
Check out these Pacer shirts and more from our Obvious Shirts Collection. Use the code ISL15 for 15% off! https://obviousshirts.com/collections/indy-sports-legends
