OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings week 10 – All-Star break edition
Indiana Pacers:
Week 10: 0-3
Lost to: Warriors 107-111, Celtics 112-118, Knicks 107-110
Opponents this week: 76ers, Cavaliers, Nuggets
Offensive Rating: 111.1 (16th)| Defensive Rating: 110.4 (12th) | Net Differential: +0.7 (12th)
Indiana would like to erase this past week from their memory and the record books. They began week 10 holding the fourth seed. By the end of the week, they’d fallen off the playoff ladder entirely.
Many teams are dealing with injuries this season. The Hawks have struggled without supplementary talents available. Whereas the Pacers and Blazers were navigating the past several weeks without core contributors but maintaining their position.
Both clubs took a hit in week 10 most likely as the fatigue caught up to them.
Domantas Sabonis who I cited as the biggest All-Star reserve snub was selected as Kevin Durant’s injury replacement. It’s a well-deserved deserved honor.
The rest of the Pacers need to just get through this week and refuel next week in preparation for a strong second-half performance.
T.J. Warren hasn’t played in two months so getting him back will help the Pacers’ efforts. There is no news on Caris LeVert’s recovery timeline but if he does return in the second half it’ll give the Pacers incredible depth.
While the Pacers land 19th on my board this week, don’t be surprised if they finish in the top tier as the season progresses.