Indiana Pacers:
Offense: (109.0) 14th
Defense: (106.0) 9th
Net: (plus +3.0) 11th
Games Week 11 (1-2): Won vs 76ers: 115-97, Lost to Nuggets: 116-124, Hawks: 111-116
Games Week 12 (3 games): Mon at Hornets | Weds vs Heat | Fri at Bulls
As for the Pacers surprising (well not for me as I had them in the top five – potentially a home court seed depending on when Dipo returned) it’s clear TJ Warren and the Holiday brothers were underestimated. But, the ascendence of Domantas Sabonis is the big win for the Pacers through to week 11. He’s averaging a double-double of 17.5 points and 13.1 rebounds but perhaps more impressive is his assists which are at a career best 4.1 per game.
Much like pundits stated if Giannis Antetokounmpo developed a perimeter shot he would become unstoppable the same could be said of Sabonis. Last season he attempted 0.2 per game and while he’s not shooting it well from deep he’s attempting 1.1 per game (159 attempts through week 11) so he’s putting in the work. Or at least he’s got a leg up on Ben Simmons in that regard who has attempted FIVE 3-pointers this season in total.