After the Indiana Pacers lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, numerous consequences emerged. In addition to the Bucks getting revenge on the Pacers, the Tyrese Haliburton-led team took a hit in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Monday features the Pacers at the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pacers vs. Timberwolves matchup reveals significant playoff implications.
Not only is Indiana in danger of losing the fourth seed to the Bucks, but it could also slide further in the Eastern Conference playoff race. In addition to the Pacers facing the Timberwolves at the Target Center, the Detroit Pistons play the 18-50 New Orleans Pelicans.
Detroit is only two losses back from Indiana for the fifth seed. The Pistons are 2-3 in their last five games, but given Cade Cunningham's coming-of-age season, leading one of the most improved teams in NBA history to a possible playoff seed jolts the franchise with a seismic momentum surge.
Meanwhile, as All Pacers covered, Pascal Siakam won't play vs. the Timberwolves. Furthermore, the Pacers' chances of beating a Timberwolves team on an eight-game winning streak lessen if Haliburton and Myles Turner also don't play.
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Detroit's next game is vs. the Miami Heat, losers of seven consecutive matches. If Detroit can improve from one of the worst teams in the league, then it's highly plausible they could seize the fifth seed from the Pacers.
In light of the mediocre start to the 2024-25 season, the Pacers are fortunate to remain contenders for homecourt advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Still, two consecutive losses to the Atlanta Hawks and falling to the Chicago Bulls led to the Pacers possibly ruining their momentum as a formidable playoff team.
Monday's matchup could trigger the Pacers slipping from playoff relevancy regarding clinching a top seed.
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This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 11:34 AM.