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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. ....
NetRtg: +9.0 (1) The Jazz survived some slow starts over the last three games of their nine-game winning streak (the second longest streak in the league this season), overcoming deficits against the Heat, Sixers (Philly’s first loss after leading by double-digits) and shorthanded Clippers. They erased a 15-point deficit against the #fullsquad Clippers on Friday, but they had matchup issues down the stretch as LA scored 10 points on four possessions to gain separation. The Clippers attacked Derrick Favors on two straight possessions and then went at Bojan Bogdanovic. On the other end of the floor, they were able to stifle ball movement and limit the Jazz to a season-low 13 assists and just 15 catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts, down from an average of 26.5 prior to that. ....
Toughest: 1. Memphis, 2. Detroit, 3. Oklahoma City Easiest: 1. Orlando, 2. Philadelphia, 3. Atlanta Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record, and adjusted for home vs. away and days of rest before a game. Movement in the Rankings Free falls of the week: Cleveland (-5), New York (-5), Portland (-5), Toronto (-5) Week 7 Team to Watch Atlanta The Hawks are one of two East teams with a winning record (4-2) against the West. But two of those wins came against the Wolves and another came against the Clippers without Paul George or Kawhi Leonard. So this week will be a real test of the Hawks, who have won four of their last six games overall and currently sit in sixth place in the East. They’ll host the Lakers on Monday, the Mavs on Wednesday, and the Jazz on Thursday. Then they complete the four-game homestand with a visit from the Raptors, one of the East teams they may have to hold off come playoff time. ....