OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark

Indiana Pacers:

Week 11: 1-2
Won vs: Cavaliers 114-111
Lost to: 76ers 114-130, Nuggets 103-113

Week 12 opponents: @Lakers, @Suns

Offense: (110.9) 18th
Defense: (110.9) 13th
Net: (Minus -0.1) 16th

Indiana got out to a hot 8-4 start but arrive at the break in dire need of rest having won just four times in their last 14 games. That the four victories came against the Pistons, Hawks, Wolves (in overtime), and Cavaliers punctuates their struggles.

The load on the stars is showing and is best demonstrated via Domantas Sabonis who was a double-double machine through the first 22 games hitting that benchmark on 20 occasions with two of those extending to triple-double output, the other two posted in the next 13 games.

Of the other 11 matches in the next 13 games, he failed to collect a double-double in eight. That speaks to the wear and tear on the big man.

Much of the situation is understandable considering Victor Oladipo was traded and neither TJ Warren (foot) or Caris LeVert (kidney) are available.  The absence of players of this ilk put undue pressure on Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon specifically.

While the early projections were for Warren to return shortly after the break it’s now expected he’ll be out at least until April. As for LeVert, there is some optimism as he’s progressing faster than expected with The Athletic, Sham Charania reporting the Pacers anticipate a return some time in the second half.

Things won’t get any easier in the interim as the Pacers’ first games back from the break feature seven matches against teams seeded sixth or higher including an initial three-game trip versus the Lakers, Suns, and Nuggets.