Pacers Tumble to 29th in Power Rankings

The Indiana Pacers have fallen to 29th place in the latest NBA power rankings, marking a significant drop from previous positions. This decline occurred despite two recent wins before the All-Star break, as the team lost three consecutive games against lower-ranked opponents following the break, including two against Washington and one against Dallas.

The Pacers' post-break schedule continues to be challenging, with a recent 0-2 record against the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring only 105 points per 100 possessions in those matchups. Their next game against the 76ers is scheduled for Tuesday, the second game of a four-game homestand.

While the team struggles overall, individual performances offer some optimism. Jarace Walker has been a bright spot, scoring in double figures for 13 consecutive games and averaging 21 points per 36 minutes during this stretch. His effective field goal percentage has also seen a notable increase since Christmas.

Turnover management remains a concern, especially with a significantly higher rate when Pascal Siakam is off the floor compared to when he plays. Siakam missed two recent games against Washington, during which Jarace Walker contributed heavily to the team's 44 total turnovers.