Random dribbles on the Pacers, whose three-game winning streak was snapped by the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 126-115, on Tuesday.
1. Well, at least the Pacers get to play some more road games. They may be breathing that sigh of relief after falling to 9-16 at home. That includes just two home wins in the previous 10. Yikes.
2. Somehow, they’ve managed 25-28 record anyway. That makes them 16-12 on the road.
3. That’s just the sort of season it’s been — unpredictable.
4. But these road warriors are right back in action Wednesday night, paying a visit to the lowly Houston Rockets. It may not sound like a big deal, but these are the opponents the Pacers need to beat to keep their playoff dreams alive.
5. No less than point guard Malcolm Brogdon would agree. “(Wednesday) night is a must-win for us,” he told reporters. “Regardless of the back-to-back, regardless of being on the road, we have to win that game.”
6. As it stands, the Pacers are two games behind the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets for the final two playoff spots.
7. Given the injuries and other general uncertainties, that’s not awful. Though a little more consistency might be nice.
8. By the way, Paul George is the biggest reason the Clippers won Tuesday’s game and were able to overcome another night without Kawhi Leonard, out with a sore foot.
9. George erupted for 36 points and improved to 4-0 at Bankers Life FieldHouse since the Pacers traded him in 2017. This season, George and the Clippers (38-18) have won six straight overall.
10. Part of the Pacers’ biggest issue came with the very basics of the game. They couldn’t shoot straight, especially in the fourth quarter. That’s when they went 7-of-23 from the floor and just 2-of-12 on 3-pointers.
11. The defense wasn’t exactly anything to write home about, either. “We got to be a better defensive team than we were tonight,” Brogdon said.
12. To make matters worse, small forward Doug McDermott was forced to leave with a sprained ankle in the first half. His status for Wednesday is TBD at this writing.
13. The Pacers, of course, were also still without center Myles Turner (also ankle). He didn’t practice Monday so it’s hard to envision him returning Wednesday, either.
14. Overall, there’s no reason to light holy candles and pray for the Pacers, no reason for panic. But after Houston, they pay a visit to the Western Conference-leading Utah Jazz, and following that with a game in Atlanta against the rising Hawks.
15. Translation: This trip stands a good chance in determining how the rest of the season may go, and whether the Pacers are headed for the actual playoffs, or just the play-in game.
16. Brogdon led the Pacers with 29 points. Caris LeVert scored 26 and Domantas Sabonis chipped in 20, with 13 rebounds. Also, T.J. McConnell was again great off the bench with 13 points and endless hustle.
17. In case you missed it, I wrote a column on the late, great Slick Leonard and how he was among the reasons I’ve come to have a deep admiration for Hoosier Hysteria. You can check it out here.
