Tag: 2024 NBA Season

2024-25 Indiana Pacers: A quick preview

The Indiana Pacers could once again blow past expectations this season, and they have the potential to emerge as a Top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. GM Kevin Pritchard has assembled a talented group that has already shown what they’re capable …

The Indiana Pacers could once again blow past expectations this season, and they have the potential to emerge as a Top 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. GM Kevin Pritchard has assembled a talented group that has already shown what they’re capable of, especially after their surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

The addition of Pascal Siakam in January solidified the Pacers’ core. Siakam’s stellar play, shooting a career-high 54.9 percent from the field and averaging 20-plus points per game for the fifth consecutive season, adds a critical piece to Indiana’s offense. Pairing Siakam with Myles Turner gives the Pacers the potential to turn their already elite offense into a more balanced team. If they can lift their defense into the Top 15 in defensive rating, they could be one of the most complete units in the league.

Tyrese Haliburton‘s health will be key, as he drives the engine of the offense, and with the depth the Pacers have their rotation is stacked. Obi Toppin, who played all 82 games last season and averaged a career-high 10.3 points, strengthens an already deep roster.

2024-25 Houston Rockets: A quick preview

The Houston Rockets have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster, boasting a solid young core, but in the stacked Western Conference, they could face stiff competition for a play-in spot. Over the past few years, the Rockets have added …

The Houston Rockets have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster, boasting a solid young core, but in the stacked Western Conference, they could face stiff competition for a play-in spot.

Over the past few years, the Rockets have added talented players like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, both of whom are eligible for extensions as they enter the final year of their rookie contracts. Whether these two become long-term cornerstones for head coach Ime Udoka remains to be seen. If they don’t fit into the Rockets’ long-term plans, they could be potential trade assets, especially since the team has stockpiled draft capital to make a big move when the time is right.

The long-term goal is clear: evolve into a playoff team, if not this season, then by next year, with an eye toward competing for titles later on.

However, the immediate focus will be on improving their offense, which lagged behind their defense last season. With continued development, the Rockets could be in the play-in conversation this year, but given the depth of competition in the Western Conference, they’ll need to take big steps forward to secure their spot.