How Pacers Can Continue Domination vs. Pistons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 12:35 PM ET

Over the last two seasons, the Indiana Pacers have experienced significant success, as their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals run embodied the franchise's efforts. To reach the playoffs, the Pacers had to conquer inferior teams. One team in particular felt the Pacers' wrath in their previous two seasons. The Pacers seek to continue their major domination against the Detroit Pistons.

The Pacers' first game of the season came against the Pistons. Although the match played close, the Pacers beat the Pistons 115-109.

Such a close score typically indicates that the Pacers underperformed against a lowly team. However, the Pistons are having a renaissance season, and their 23-23 record temporarily gives them the eighth seed.

Indiana is 6-1 in its last seven games against Detroit.

If the Pacers wish to catch the Milwaukee Bucks for the fourth seed, granting them home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs, they must again beat the lesser teams. Though at a better level of inferiority, Detroit still ranks lower than Indiana.

Led by Cade Cunningham, the Pistons' started-from-the-bottom season provides an intriguing matchup for the Pacers on Wednesday. As a blue-collar city, the Pistons' previous five games reveal why the team has taken the identity of their fan base. The Pistons rank seventh in defensive rating over the past five games, getting their hands dirty to stay above a loving mark for the 2024-25 season.

However, for as many compliments Detroit deserves for its shocking bounce-back season, Indiana's defensive rating triumphs over its Wednesday night opponent.

Over the Pacers' previous 10 games, they rank second in the NBA in defensive rating. Expect a testy game vs. the Pistons, as the Pacers got under Isaiah Stewart's skin with a 111-100 victory on Jan. 16.

Look for Indiana to attempt to turn "Beef Stew" Stewart into a vegetable medley for its second consecutive victory over Detroit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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