CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indiana Pacers are two wins shy of their first NBA title entering Monday’s Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Cavs fans remain divided on the Pacers’ long-term viability.
Cleveland.com’s Jimmy Watkins posed the following premise to our Cavs [Subtext subscriber group](https://joinsubtext.com/dashboard) earlier this month:
Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton is one of 13 players in league history to make All-NBA and win his conference. Nine of the other 12 made multiple Finals appearances, but Haliburton is the only player of the 13 to be voted third team All-NBA instead of first and second.
With those numbers in mind, Subtext members gave their takes on Indiana’s long-term viability with the Cavs in mind. How big of a threat are the Pacers? Here’s a pulse of the fan base:
Given the Pacers making the Eastern Conference Finals again (it’s not a one-off), should we reframe the question? How much of a threat do you consider the Cavs to the Pacers long term? Are the Cavs a long-term contender or will we remember them as a talented team that never lived up to expectations?
_\- 443 area code_
I think the Pacers are very good and the front office has done a great job of assembling a roster. I thought they would pose problems for the Cavs before the series ever started. Then when Darius was not available or far less than 100% to help handle the Pacers pressure, I was quite sure the Cavs would struggle.
Looking into the future, as Cavs fans know, injuries and the salary cap will dictate whether the Pacers, Cavs or any team can maintain success. Comparing the Cavs to the Pacers specifically, 1-6 the Cavs match up well. It’s players 7-11 in the rotation that the Cavs need to fix to be able to match up with the Pacers.
_\- 740 area code_
I’m sorry but I feel like injuries play a big part in them paving there way these last two years. I get it, injuries are part of the game, but I’m sure New York was the only team that played 100% healthy. Didn’t they face the same injury-riddled teams last year?
_\- William, Canton, Ohio_
They’re are already more than one off having gone to the conference finals 2 years in a row. They’re relatively young, have more flexibility financially than the Cavs. Key for them will be resigning Turner. If they do, I’d count them as favorites for the east next year as well.
_\- 310 area code_
There were some games that Halliburton was not that effective, others when he was very effective. They are likely to lose Turner from what I am reading and I thought he was consistently effective and played a big role. That is also an issue the Cavs will face with Ty and Sam. I think Indiana will be a force going forward but so will the Cavs. I still like the team we have.
_\- 440 area code_
I think they, along with a few other Eastern conference teams, will be a threat for the foreseeable future. Haliburton is a superstar that gets no league respect and he’s not the only all-star worthy player on that team.
_\- 719 area code_
Given that they made it to the Eastern conference finals last year (and everyone thought they were a fluke then) and now they’re in the NBA finals, I’m inclined to see them as real contenders, though not on the level of OKC (but who is?)
_\- 440 area code_
As long as they stay together they’re going to be a problem for the Cavs. Not as talented but their role players are not afraid of the big moments and play with more confidence in crucial moments. Something the Cavs to date have lacked sorely. Plus Haliburton will only get better after this playoff run or shd I say ‘fun’!
_\- The Pope in sunny California._
Long-term (conference) contender. Haliburton started the year slowly and probably would haven been 1st or 2nd team if he’d played a full season at his peak level. Hali knows he can win at high levels so his confidence will be high in every playoff series for the rest of his career. Major concern (or hope for us Cavs fans) is Siakam drops off sooner than later.
_\- 216 area code_
I think there is a changing of the guard in the NBA. The teams of the future are OKC, Minnesota, Denver (as long as Jokic is there), Cleveland, Indiana, and Detroit. Boston and NY are on its last leg. The coastal teams are 2nd tier now. I’m sure it drives many NBA execs crazy because of potential impact to tv deals.
_\- 216 area code_
Unfortunately the Pacers are the real deal. If they can keep much of their team together, they will be winning against the Cavs more than losing. They are that good and that tough.
_\- 740 area code_
Competitive but we are a better team. Game 1 our shooting sucked and they were hot. 2-3 misses and or makes was the difference. Game 2 should have won. Game 5 could have if healthy and if Kenny did f with Ty J minutes. Kenny also should have relieved Mitchell and Darius in game 2 more.
_\- 415 area code_
Indiana will remain a tough out. That being said, we need to figure out how to beat OKC. We are a top 5 or 6 team. How do we get to the top? I love the guys However, We are currently too small and not tough enough.
_\- Matt in Nashville_
Haliburton gets the media attention but their best player is Pascal Siakam. This team will go as far as he takes them especially in the playoffs. He is the prototype needed for the playoffs a big forward that can defend multiple positions and can score. As it relates to the Cavs, the big three of Mobley, Garland and Mitchell is more talented than the Pacers big three of Siakiam, Haliburton and whoever you think is their third best player. But until Mobley becomes the Cavs best player surpassing Mitchell, they will be better.
_\- Lloyd, Mayfield Heights_
I’m guessing they’ll be solid but not at this level in future years. Turner and Siakam aren’t going to get better. Nesmith and Nembhard will get a little better. And I’d guess Haliburton is the wild card. Does he improve to top 5 level? I don’t think so and that leads me to believe this is the ceiling. Unless they make a big trade. If Cavs play up to their abilities (and DG is more healthy - I cannot overstate his importance) I’d favor them in a Pacers series 80% of the time.
_\-Frank from Cincy_