Indiana Pacers: Starting lineup locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

Indiana Pacers starting lineup: Locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Malcolm Brogdon #7 high fives Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers after a play against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at AdventHealth Arena on August 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /

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Indiana Pacers (Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) /

Fringe options for the starting lineup

One player who was likely to be a lock given his history with the team was Myles Turner. He has started every game he has played in since his rookie season so why the change now? Simply put, something has to give. The team has been an average offense for years and shifting so that Turner and Sabonis do not share the floor as frequently could be a way to do this.

His production noticeably dipped last season so it would not be an ill-advised chance to take. He is likely to be the starter but the volatility of his future with the team lands him here.

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The other erstwhile starter from last season, TJ Warren, finds himself here simply due to health concerns. He has been dealing with plantar fascia issues and is considered week to week to start the season. When he is on he can be a brilliant scorer. He averaged 31.0 points per game in the seeding games but if he is to be in and out of the lineup things could get dicey.

These question marks leave openings for the Holiday brothers to jump into the starting lineup full time. They have taken those spots during the preseason with Warren out due to concussion issues and performed admirably. Justin Holiday was a knockdown shooter last season (40.5 percent from distance) and can fill minutes at the top three wing positions. He also led the team in steals.

Aaron Holiday was similarly lethal from long range (39.4 percent) and is continuing to grow into his role as an off guard. Should the team choose to go smaller either or both of these players could supplant the previous stalwarts.

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