Pacers’ Paint Problems Highlight a Season of Growing Pains-and Future Promise
At 6-20, the Indiana Pacers are sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, just a step ahead of the Washington Wizards, who currently hold the league’s worst record. It’s been a tough stretch in Indy, and while there are several areas that need addressing, one issue stands out above the rest: their inability to consistently score in the paint.
Let’s put this in perspective. According to NBA.com, the Pacers are averaging just 44.8 points in the paint per game-fourth-fewest in the league.
That’s a steep drop-off from last season, when they ranked 11th, and an even more dramatic fall from their 2023-24 campaign, when they led the NBA with 58.4 paint points per game. That’s not just a statistical dip-it’s a complete identity shift.
Sunday’s loss to the Wizards was a microcosm of that struggle. Indiana managed only 38 points in the paint, while Washington racked up 50. That kind of disparity is hard to overcome, especially for a team that’s already dealing with multiple roster challenges.
What’s Behind Indiana’s Paint Scoring Drop?
There’s no single culprit here-this is a layered issue.
First and foremost, the absence of Tyrese Haliburton looms large. Haliburton isn’t just Indiana’s lead guard; he’s the engine of their offense.
He’s the guy who bends defenses, creates space, and delivers pinpoint passes that lead to high-percentage looks. Without him, the Pacers’ offense loses a ton of its flow and unpredictability.
He can score from all three levels, but more importantly, he makes life easier for everyone else on the floor.
Then there’s the personnel around the rim. Outside of Pascal Siakam, who’s been solid with 11.3 paint points per game, Indiana doesn’t have a consistent interior threat.
Obi Toppin, who provides athleticism and vertical spacing, is sidelined with a foot injury. Isaiah Jackson has been thrust into a backup center role, and while he brings energy and shot-blocking, he’s not a go-to paint scorer.
Jay Huff, meanwhile, is more comfortable stretching the floor than banging down low.
The transition game isn’t helping either. Last season, Indiana averaged 17.5 fast-break points per game.
This year? That number’s down to 13.4.
That drop-off in easy buckets is another reason the paint production has slowed. When you’re not getting out and running, you’re forced to grind out half-court possessions-and that’s where the Pacers are struggling most.
A Season for Development, Not Dominance
With Haliburton not expected back until next year, the Pacers are in a bit of a holding pattern. The center rotation remains unsettled, and several players are still adjusting to larger roles than they’ve had in the past. That’s the reality of a team in transition.
But this isn’t a lost season-it’s a developmental one. And while the record might not reflect it, there’s still value in what Indiana is doing right now.
Young players are getting meaningful minutes. The coaching staff is learning what combinations work and which ones don’t.
And perhaps most importantly, the franchise is staying focused on the long game.
Once Haliburton returns-and assuming he regains his All-Star form-the Pacers will be back in the mix. Siakam is still a high-level contributor, and the supporting cast has enough talent to grow into something more cohesive. It’s not unreasonable to think Indiana could re-emerge as a playoff threat next season.
For now, though, the focus shifts from playoff positioning to player development and draft preparation. That’s not where fans wanted to be in mid-December, but it’s not the end of the world either.
This team has a foundation. It just needs time-and a healthy Haliburton-to build on it.