Pacers clinch top-4 seed, aim for first 50-win season since 2014
Thursday's win ensures Indiana will host Round 1 of the playoffs — something they haven’t done in over a decade. Playing on a back-to-back Friday, all five starters will sit out v Orlando Magic.
The Pacers had already clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season, but they set themselves up for even more success with a win Thursday over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers.
The victory secured a top-four seed and homecourt advantage in the first round for the first time since the 2013-14 season — a year in which they were the No. 1 seed and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year.
Last postseason, as the No. 6 seed, they knocked off Milwaukee (3-seed) and then New York (2-seed) before being swept by the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the conference finals.
“It's a significant accomplishment, so congratulations to the guys,” head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. “Congratulations to our fans. Our fans had a big part in it. But it's not a destination, it's simply a tool.
“You gotta take a bit different mindset into the playoffs when you’re the home team, but that’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”
The Pacers are almost certainly going to be the 4-seed and expected to face the Milwaukee Bucks once again in Round 1. A Pacers loss or Knicks win (vs. the Cavaliers) on Friday solidify Indiana’s position — with the Knicks securing the 3-seed.
Now one win away from their first 50-win season, again, since the 2013-14 season, the Pacers (49-31) have two chances this weekend to reach that mark. However, it’s comes during a stretch of three games in four days.
“I think it’s a special year,” Tyrese Haliburton said. “Especially the way we started, 10-15. I'm just really proud of our group, and how we've been able to you know change the direction of our season. It’s a big deal for us, so we don't take that lightly.”
And with all three teams — Pacers, Cavs, Magic — securing their playoff spot, the teams can focus on whatever they need. In the Pacers’ case, they are electing to rest all five starters on Friday against the Magic. So no Haliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, or Turner.
That’s the smart call.
Health for the playoffs is much more important than these final two games. Playoff teams that are choosing to do this are afforded this often. They’ve earned it. Now, I understand it doesn’t make it any easy on fans, who shelled out hard-earned money to attend the games. Especially Friday, which is Fan Appreciation Night.
But it’s the right call.
After Sunday’s regular-season finale in Cleveland, the Pacers will have a week between games as attention shifts to the Play-In Tournament.
They’ve won 12 of their last 14 games, including six in a row. And they have been excellent on their home floor at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Backup guard Ben Sheppard remains out with a left great big toe sprain, his fourth straight absence. With six players out, it opens up valuable playing time for young guys like Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker. Both will play a role in the postseason. And remember, Mathurin was unavailable for the final months of last season due to needing shoulder surgery. So he’s extra motivated.
They will now start T.J. McConnell, Mathurin, Walker, Obi Toppin, and Thomas Bryant.
The Magic, who are 40-40 and locked into the 7-seed, are resting players as well: Paolo Banchero, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner — plus Mo Wagner, Jalen Suggs.
The Cavaliers (63-17) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the East, followed by the Celtics.
Reggie Miller On The Call For Another Win
Hall of Famer Reggie Miller was courtside for the TNT broadcast, teaming with Brian Anderson as the Pacers picked up another big win.
"That's what I'm talking about. We will be here a lot," Miller said. He’s TNT’s top game analyst and they have the exclusive broadcast rights to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Haliburton and Miller formed a connection not long after Tyrese was traded to Indiana — thanks in part to the late David Benner, the longtime Pacers PR director who passed away in 2023.
