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Indiana Pacers Playoff Preview: 4 Potential First Round Matchups

By Adrian Lawhorn

Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington defeats Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington defeats Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Washington Wizards

Point guard John Wall, shooting guard Bradley Beal and the rest of the Wizards have been one of the surprise teams in the NBA this season. Early-season talk of management possibly breaking up the Wall-Beal duo seems ludicrous now that the team has found a groove.

These teams have played four times in 2016-17, with Washington holding a 3-1 advantage, including wins in the last three games against Indiana. The contests have mostly been competitive, with three of them being decided by six points or less.

The Pacers have worked toward playing the game at a faster pace the last two years, but the Wizards are the more up-tempo team. Washington is ranked nine spots above Indiana in NBA offensive rating, but the teams are tied in terms of defensive rating.

The Wizards have a habit of suffering defensive letdowns and allowing opponents to get back into games that they seem to have control of. Indiana has taken advantage of this at times during the season series, and that has made the game outcomes close in three of the four contests.

Between Washington’s lack of recent playoff experience/success and their trend of losing focus when they build leads, there is reason to think that the Pacers could win a playoff series against the Wizards if things fall right for Indiana.

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