NBA Rumors: Pacers Successfully Surviving With Sabonis-Turner Tandem

The Indiana Pacers are doing just fine even with star guard Victor Oladipo out of action. They have managed to be in the top eight of the NBA Eastern Conference and its frontline is one of the reasons why.

Despite the initial belief that the duo of Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner may not blend in, it has been the exact opposite. The two have found a way to play together and Indiana is benefitting from it. However, there is still a lingering question in the air on whether these two can co-exist long-term.

Ed Pincus of The Bleacher Report pointed out how the Pacers are following a different tactic. Most NBA teams are opting to play small, relying on a run-and-gun game plus outside sniping. With Oladipo and Malcolm Brogdon missing some games, pundits are wondering how head coach Nate McMillan is pulling it off.

Between Sabonis and Turner, it is the former who has been stepping up his game. He is averaging 17.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 31 games, rebuffing earlier belief that he would be traded at some point since last season.

On the other end is Turner who is not exactly delivering the same numbers as last NBA season. A look at Basketball-Reference shows the 23-year-old slightly underperforming. After norming 13.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, the 11th overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft dropped a bit. In 26 games he has played, he is only good for 12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks.

Despite the dip in performance, the Pacers are winning because the two are co-existing upfront. Turner is doing his share focusing on three-point shooting and the last line of defense. Sabonis, on the other hand, is doing damage with his scoring prowess.

One can only imagine how better the Pacers would be if and when Oladipo returns to the roster. In a previous post, it was mentioned how the 27-year-old guard could return later this month. But even if returns, the two-time NBA All-Star is likely to be on managed minutes. Depending on his progress, his full potential may not be seen until the postseason wars.

As for the Sabonis-Turner duo, questions remain on how long both can keep up. At some point, something may give, particularly when either one reaches the point of renegotiating a new contract.