The Nets are attempting to contend for a Play-In place in a game against the Pacers as they approach the end of the season.
The Nets are taking on the Indiana Pacers for the first time in three meetings this late in the season. Given that the Pacers are among the hardest teams to defend, it will be among Brooklyn’s hardest games.
Brooklyn should be more motivated to play better against Indiana because they just suffered a defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic. It’s a difficult assignment for coach Kevin Ollie, particularly in terms of defense.
9-0 run for the squad 👀 pic.twitter.com/4nowr67c0R
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 14, 2024
The Offensive of Indiana Will Be Formidable
At 120.4, the Pacers’ offense is second in the league and is led by Tyrese Haliburton. In a game, the All-Star guard scores 20.7 points and dishevels 11.4 assists. The majority of Indiana’s points are scored by him, making him one of the league’s top offensive players.
Hali is not alone because there are quality players on this Pacers team. Outside of their standout point guard, Pascal Siakam is the biggest addition; he came in a trade before the deadline for trades. Spicy P has averaged 20.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his 26 games in Indianapolis. His physicality will be an issue for the wings, thus Brooklyn will have a difficult time against him.
Mikal Bridges
Image : Sports Illustrated
Coach Ollie would want Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas, his two best players, to have exceptional games for Brooklyn. Cam has been outstanding lately, setting the bar high for the Nets. Despite his uneven play, Mikal should be able to score easily against the Pacers’ subpar defense.
Myles Turner vs. Nic Claxton is another exciting match to watch because Turner enjoys using his jump shooting to extend the floor. Nic isn’t your usual big guy who drops back, either, because he can blitz the pick-and-roll to block shots from the outside.
One of the strongest aspects of Cam Thomas’ game is his driving and drawing fouls at the rim.
It’ll increase his offensive game noticeably once refs actually start officiating him with more respect. pic.twitter.com/9jtqjAtBw5
— Jac Manuell (CT & Clowney Obsessed) (@JacManuell) March 14, 2024
Injury Report
With the exception of Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead’s season-ending injuries, the majority of the Nets are healthy. Due to their surgical procedures, both players should be fully recovered by training camp in time for the 2024–2025 season. Additionally, given that Brooklyn has become accustomed to playing without those two players, they ought to be ready for this game versus Indianapolis.
Two more players for the Pacers are listed as injured, including Doug McDermott, who has a calf issue. Conversely, Bennedict Mathurin had to have season-ending surgery due to a ruptured labrum in his right shoulder. This gives Brooklyn an edge as it leaves Indiana lacking depth at the wing position.
