NBA Power Rankings Week 9: The slide of the Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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Previous: 15th. Indiana Pacers. 16. team. 100. . 15-14

Last Week: Lost/OT to Chicago Bulls 120-112, Beat/OT Minnesota Timberwolves 134-128, 2/20 at Houston Rockets (POSTPONED)

This Week: 2/22 vs. San Antonio Spurs (POSTPONED), 2/24 vs. Golden State Warriors, 2/26 at Boston Celtics, 2/27 at New York Knicks

The postponements may have come at the perfect time for the Indiana Pacers. Losing to the Chicago Bulls in overtime and then needing overtime to beat the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves were the latest in a long line of red flags for the Pacers.

A break was in need for a team struggling with injuries. In such a condensed schedule, just continuing to trudge forward is never going to help them right the ship. The Pacers are not unique in this regard but should be able to take advantage of two postponed games to get some much-needed rest.

Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon combined for 48 points against the Chicago Bulls and had six scorers in double figures. The issue was the struggles the other players were facing. Myles Turner’s production has slowed down (other than blocks, where he had another six). With Doug McDermott out of the lineup, the offense could not do enough.

Against the Timberwolves, Sabonis and Brogdon were even more special. The big man posted a line of 36 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Brogdon added 32 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. This was enough for the Pacers to power past the Timberwolves but if the rest of the team cannot be better it will be much tougher to succeed.