The Indiana Pacers had their best season since 2020, winning 35 games. Led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are optimistic about their chances of making a deep playoff run. However, the team still faces questions about their ability to win a playoff series for the first time since 2014.
Offseason Recap
After narrowly missing the play-in tournament, the Pacers looked to upgrade their roster. They made several shrewd moves on draft night, acquiring Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin through trades. Additionally, they added free agent Bruce Brown, who brings a winning mentality and leadership to the team. These additions address some of the team’s weaknesses from last season and should make a positive impact.
Indiana Pacers Season Expectations
The Pacers have modest expectations for the season. While Tyrese Haliburton has shown great potential as an offensive playmaker, the team lacks the superstar talent to compete in the tough Eastern Conference. With a projected win total of 37.5 and +160 odds to make the postseason, the Pacers are still a few years away from being title contenders. The team’s lack of size and rebounding ability also remains a concern.
Indiana Pacers Schedule Breakdown
The Pacers have a favorable start to the season with several home games. However, they face a challenging stretch of games on the road against strong opponents. A late season road trip against top teams could hinder their playoff push. Navigating this tough schedule will be a key factor in the Pacers’ success.
Indiana Pacers Odds
The Pacers’ win total is set at 37.5, which may be a bit optimistic given their recent performance. They are considered a long shot to win the conference at +10000 odds. In the mid-season tournament, the Pacers are +600 to finish in the top spot. The betting markets reflect the uncertainties surrounding the team’s consistency and chances of success.
Indiana Pacers 2023-24 Season Predictions
Based on their offseason moves and current roster, I am skeptical of the Pacers’ ability to surpass their previous seasons. With Haliburton shouldering much of the offensive load and concerns about squad depth, it is unlikely that the Pacers will outperform teams with similar win totals. I predict a record of 29-53, falling short of the playoffs. Betting on the under for the 37.5-game win total is recommended. The Pacers may struggle this season and focus on securing a high draft pick for the future.
NBA Futures
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
NBA Championship 2023-24
NBA Champion
Milwaukee Bucks +380
Denver Nuggets +600
Boston Celtics +400
Phoenix Suns +650
Golden State Warriors +1200
Los Angeles Lakers +1200
Miami Heat +2300
Los Angeles Clippers +2200
Philadelphia 76ers +2300
Dallas Mavericks +2500
Memphis Grizzlies +3300
Cleveland Cavaliers +4000
Sacramento Kings +5000
New Orleans Pelicans +5000
New York Knicks +5000
Minnesota Timberwolves +7500
Atlanta Hawks +8000
Oklahoma City Thunder +8000
Brooklyn Nets +10000
Toronto Raptors +10000
San Antonio Spurs +12500
Chicago Bulls +20000
Portland Trail Blazers +25000
Utah Jazz +25000
Indiana Pacers +30000
Orlando Magic +35000
Houston Rockets +40000
Detroit Pistons +50000
Charlotte Hornets +50000
Washington Wizards +75000
Eastern Conference 2023-24
Eastern Conference Winner
Milwaukee Bucks +155
Boston Celtics +175
Philadelphia 76ers +1100
Miami Heat +900
Cleveland Cavaliers +1100
New York Knicks +1600
Atlanta Hawks +2500
Brooklyn Nets +4000
Toronto Raptors +4500
Chicago Bulls +7000
Orlando Magic +12500
Indiana Pacers +12500
Detroit Pistons +25000
Charlotte Hornets +25000
Washington Wizards +35000
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook (USA), Bodog.eu (Canada) & Bodog.com (LATAM)
Regular Season MVP
Nikola Jokic (DEN) +425
Luka Doncic (DAL) +550
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) +600
Joel Embiid (PHI) +750
Jayson Tatum (BOS) +850
Kevin Durant (PHX) +1500
Stephen Curry (GSW) +1500
Devin Booker (PHX) +1800
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) +1600
Damian Lillard (MIL) +2200
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) +2800
Anthony Davis (LAL) +3500
LeBron James (LAL) +4000
De’Aaron Fox (SAC) +3000
Anthony Edwards (MIN) +1400
Trae Young (ATL) +4500
Zion Williamson (NO) +5000
Kawhi Leonard (LAC) +5000
Domantas Sabonis (SAC) +6000
Kyrie Irving (DAL) +6000
Jimmy Butler (MIA) +6000
Jalen Brunson (NYK) +7000
Paul George (LAC) +8000
Jaylen Brown (BOS) +8000
James Harden (PHI) +10000
Jamal Murray (DEN) +10000
Pascal Siakam (TOR) +10000
Julius Randle (NYK) +10000
Tyrese Haliburton (IND) +10000
Darius Garland (CLE) +10000
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) +10000
Bradley Beal (PHX) +15000
LaMelo Ball (CHA) +15000
Victor Wembanyama (SAS) +15000
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) +15000
Cade Cunningham (DET) +15000
Fred VanVleet (HOU) +15000
Kyle Kuzma (WAS) +15000
Scottie Barnes (TOR) +15000
CJ McCollum (NO) +15000
Desmond Bane (MEM) +15000
Jerami Grant (POR) +15000
Evan Mobley (CLE) +15000
Kristaps Porzingis (BOS) +15000
DeMar DeRozan (CHI) +20000
Mikal Bridges (BKN) +20000
Zach LaVine (CHI) +20000
Lauri Markkanen (UTA) +20000
Brandon Ingram (NO) +20000
Bojan Bogdanovic (DET) +20000
Jalen Green (HOU) +20000
Jordan Clarkson (PHI) +20000
Alperen Sengun (HOU) +20000
Keldon Johnson (SAS) +20000
Dejounte Murray (ATL) +25000
Bam Adebayo (MIA) +30000
Paolo Banchero (ORL) +30000
Russell Westbrook (LAC) +30000
