Pacers' Rebounding Woes Are No Longer Just a Flaw - They're a Full-Blown Problem
The Indiana Pacers have been skating by for a while now with a glaring weakness in their lineup - a lack of size and rebounding at the center position. But after getting manhandled on the glass in a 118-114 loss to the Houston Rockets, that issue is no longer something they can hide. Out-rebounded 56-33, Indiana didn’t just lose a game - they got exposed.
Let’s be fair here: the Rockets are no slouch on the boards. They lead the league in rebounds per game, pulling down nearly 50 a night.
The Pacers, meanwhile, sit in the bottom third of the league at 22nd overall. Rebounding has never been a calling card for this team, and that’s largely by design.
Indiana’s system prioritizes floor spacing and tempo, often sacrificing size in the process. But system or not, getting beat by 23 rebounds is a red flag that can’t be ignored - especially with the trade deadline looming.
The Turner Void Still Lingers
Losing Myles Turner to the Bucks last summer left a sizable hole in the middle - literally and figuratively. And while Turner was never a dominant rebounder (he averages just 6.7 boards per game for his career), his presence alone helped anchor the defense and at least kept opponents honest inside. Without him, the Pacers have struggled to find a reliable replacement.
Jay Huff has started the most games at center this season, but he’s pulling down just 3.8 rebounds per game. That’s not just low for a starting big - it’s 10th among all Pacers players this season. You can’t compete at a high level in today’s NBA without a big man who can clean the glass, and right now, Indiana doesn’t have one.
Trade Deadline Could Be the Turning Point
The good news? There’s still time to fix it.
The trade deadline is just days away, and Indiana has been linked to several names that could help solve their rebounding problem. Ivica Zubac, Daniel Gafford, and Walker Kessler are all reportedly on the radar, and there’s even a faint buzz around Jarrett Allen - though that would take some serious maneuvering.
Any of those names would be a significant upgrade in the rebounding department. Zubac brings physicality and playoff experience.
Gafford is a high-energy rim protector who thrives on second-chance points. Kessler, still early in his career, has already shown elite shot-blocking instincts and a nose for the ball.
And Allen? He’s a proven double-double machine who would instantly transform Indiana’s interior presence.
Winning Without Boards - But For How Long?
To their credit, the Pacers have found ways to stay competitive despite their rebounding issues. Last season, they averaged just 30.4 rebounds per game - good for 24th in the league - and still came within one win of claiming their first NBA title. That speaks volumes about their offensive efficiency, perimeter shooting, and the leadership of Tyrese Haliburton.
But as the league continues to trend toward bigger, more athletic frontcourts, Indiana’s rebounding gap becomes more of a liability than a quirk. You can only outpace and outshoot opponents for so long before the lack of second-chance opportunities and defensive boards starts to catch up.
Haliburton’s Return Isn’t a Cure-All
There’s plenty to be optimistic about in Indiana. Haliburton’s return is on the horizon, and his presence will undoubtedly elevate the offense and stabilize the backcourt. But even with their All-Star floor general back in the fold, the Pacers can’t ignore what’s happening in the paint.
This team isn’t far off from being a legitimate contender again - they’ve already proven they can hang with the league’s best. But to take that next step and stay in the title picture long-term, they need to become more balanced. And that starts with fixing the most obvious hole in their game: rebounding.
If Indiana wants to be more than just a fun, fast-paced team that makes noise in the regular season, they’ve got to get serious about the boards. The trade deadline is their best shot to do it.