The Indiana Pacers face a pivotal offseason with Myles Turner set to become an unrestricted free agent, potentially forcing the team into luxury tax territory for the first time in two decades. Bringing Turner back could require significant salary cuts elsewhere, prompting discussions about potential trades, including moving players like Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker. While Corey Kispert has surfaced as a trade target from the Washington Wizards, his addition may not align with the Pacers' needs, as the team seeks defensive players rather than just shooting capability.

Replacing Mathurin with Kispert may be a downgrade, and the Pacers' primary focus should be on retaining Turner and reassessing their roster strategy to balance offensive and defensive strengths. The Pacers must navigate these challenges carefully to make the most of their cap space and roster construction.

The Indiana Pacers are quietly establishing themselves as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, showcasing a level of play that warrants recognition. Following a successful playoff run last year, their recent performance has been stellar, boasting a 23-9 record since mid-December, making them one of the league's hottest teams. With a solid offense ranking seventh and an impressive ninth in defensive rating, the Pacers are proving their playoff viability.

Key players like Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton are pivotal to their success. Siakam, an NBA champion, provides consistency, while Haliburton continues to flash potential stardom. Head coach Rick Carlisle, another champion, brings experience to the sidelines. As the Pacers challenge more talked-about teams, their current form and postseason experience position them as a team to watch closely.

The Indiana Pacers are aiming to build on last season's unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals by maintaining their roster. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who earned All-NBA honors last year, faced heightened expectations this season but struggled initially. Teammate Myles Turner noted that Haliburton was under unnecessary pressure, which impacted his early performance. However, after the All-Star break, Haliburton has bounced back, averaging 25.7 points and 11.7 assists in four games. The return of Myles Turner from injury has also revitalized the Pacers, with the Haliburton/Turner pick-and-pop proving effective. Haliburton's mindset has shifted, allowing him to play more freely, and his performance will be crucial for the Pacers' playoff success.

Nikola Jokić made history on Monday night, achieving a career-high 19 assists in a commanding 125-116 victory for the Denver Nuggets over the Indiana Pacers. This remarkable performance marks the first time a center has recorded 19 assists in a game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968, further establishing Jokić as one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. With 18 points, nine rebounds, and a shooting percentage of 64.3%, Jokić showcased a near-triple-double performance that led his team to victory.

Alongside Jokić, Aaron Gordon led the scoring for Denver with 25 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets dominated the floor, shooting over 56% from the field and seeing all five starters reach double figures. On the opposing side, Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points, but the team fell short, dropping their record to 32-24 on the season.