Hoops Habit
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New to the NBA? 5 reasons to join the Pacers’ fandom in 2023-2024

By Tyler Key

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 24: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the TD Garden on March 24, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 24: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the TD Garden on March 24, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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3. The Pacers can end their playoff drought as early as this upcoming season

No one wants to be called a bandwagon fan. If you begin cheering for a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs in three seasons, like the Pacers, it is impossible for others to claim you are only cheering for them because of their success. While three seasons may not sound like a lot, Indiana is actually tied for the third longest active playoff drought, trailing only Charlotte (seven seasons), San Antonio (four seasons), and Detroit (four seasons).

The bright spot is that the Pacers are in the weaker Eastern Conference and could make the playoffs as early as next season. In 2022–2023, Indiana was 28–28 when Haliburton played and 7–19 when he missed the game. The Pacers have also gotten better this offseason, and many of the young players will have another season under their belts.

Now is the perfect time to start following them so you can get in before the inevitable playoff runs begin. If we remove all teams that have made the playoffs within the last three seasons, we are left with only Charlotte, Orlando, and Indiana.

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