Pacers Roundtable: Eight Thoughts on the Season Ahead
Oct 13, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) battles for a loose ball with Detroit Pistons center Joel Anthony (50) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Detroit 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
With the Indiana Pacers hitting the court for the first time in the 2015/16 NBA season, the Ink on Indy staff discusses specifics on some big questions.
This day only comes once a year – the day when your favorite NBA team’s campaign for a title begins in the first of 82 games. Before that moment happens for the Pacers, here are a few thoughts from those of us at Ink on Indy:
1) How many games will the Pacers win this season?
Jay Siskin: 45. I can see the Pacers struggling a bit in the beginning part of the season. Vogel is a good enough coach to have us clicking after the All-Star break. The question is can the Pacers stay healthy (I.E. PG, Ellis, Stuckey, Hill)? Also, can Turner develop into a Rookie of the Year candidate?
Mathew Muncy: The Pacers won 38 games last season, and that was with Paul George missing 76 games. This is a brand new team compared to the last four seasons, but I predict the Pacers finish with 44 wins.
Pierre Wilson: 42 wins. I think the Pacers finish just above .500
Jacob Rund: I’m predicting the Pacers will hit a hot streak following the All-Star break and finish with 48 total wins, which would’ve landed them in 5th place in the Eastern Conference last season.
Andrew Turpen: I’ve got the Pacers finishing 45-37. The Eastern Conference is still very weak, but there will be growing pains for the Pacers.
Dave McKee: The Pacers have looked rejuvenated throughout the preseason. Despite the questions of Paul George’s happiness as a Power Forward, Indiana looks like a team that can challenge for the East. Where most “experts” have the Pacers at or below the .500 mark. I am more optimistic than that.I like Indiana to go 48-34 if not 50-32 in a weakened Eastern Conference.
Scott Stewart: Tough to say with so much riding on how the opening bit goes, but I have the Pacers pegged at 38 wins this season. I know that number seems low but, all things considered, it’s the safe bet. I think Indiana could win as few as 35 games and as many as 44, but let’s see where the season goes.
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