State of the Pacers Share this story David Richard-USA TODAY Sports For just the third time in 11 years, the Indiana Pacers sit below .500 at the All-Star Break. As Tom, Caitlin, and I detailed on The Indy Cornrows Podcast numerous times headed into the 2021 season, this year is pivotal for both the franchise and front office. Just inside the play-in with the tenth seed in the Eastern Conference, where approximately are the Pacers? Before diving in and taking stock of the various facets of the organization, it’s important to note the oddity that is this NBA season. The season started later than usual after the shortest off-season in major sports history. The schedule itself was shortened to 72 games, but those games are condensed, resulting in numerous back-to-backs. That makes for an already awkward season without even accounting for the implementation of the League’s Health & Safety Protocols and its impact on day-to-day operation.