Without a doubt, the Indiana Pacers have been the highlight of the 2025 NBA Playoffs thus far. After Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Pacers have pulled off almost impossible upsets in every single round of the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton has now had three game-winning shots (and one huge tying shot) in these playoffs as well. Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, has been an awesome second option for the Pacers. The entire Pacers team has stepped up and proven the NBA world wrong. Even after making the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Pacers still were underdogs to make it back this year. The Pacers improved as the season progressed which was beneficial for fantasy basketball as well. This article will summarize how the Pacers’ deep roster and winning culture translate to fantasy basketball.
How the Indiana Pacers’ Success Relates to Fantasy Basketball
The Tyrese Haliburton Effect
There’s no question that Haliburton has been the driving force behind the Pacers’ electric offense. Since Haliburton arrived in Indiana, he has transformed the offense completely. The Pacers are now consistently one of the top offenses in the NBA, and one of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA as well. Haliburton may also be the best decision-maker in all of basketball, too. This season, he averaged 9.2 assists and only 1.6 turnovers per game. Haliburton’s unselfish play style leads to getting everyone involved, and leads to open looks for everyone on the court for the Pacers. Haliburton averaged 39.3 fantasy points per game this season, which led the Pacers team. Haliburton is a special basketball player, and he is one of the best fantasy basketball players as well.
Pascal Siakam as a Second Option
Haliburton is one of the best offensive engines in basketball, but Siakam fits with him seamlessly. Siakam has slowly become one of the more underrated players of this era. He was the second option on the championship Raptors team in 2019 and has been a consistent All-Star-level player ever since. This season, he averaged 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. This equated to 35.1 fantasy points per game on the season. Siakam was a very consistent player all season long and is a huge part of the Pacers’ success.
The Elevation of “The Others”
When I say “The Others”, don’t get this mixed up as being negative. The Pacers’ greatest strength as a team is how deep they are. From Myles Turner down to Jarace Walker, the Pacers have so many rotational guys who impact the basketball game at a high level. Starting with Turner, who was their third-highest fantasy scorer, he is a great center on both sides of the ball. Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith all provide great shooting and solid perimeter defense. The Pacers had seven players who averaged over 20 fantasy points per game, which is tied for the most in the NBA this season.
The Last Word
Overall, it is no fluke that the Indiana Pacers are in the NBA Finals. They are a great basketball team and have had the fourth-best regular season record since January 1 this season. Tyrese Haliburton is simply one of the best offensive engines in basketball. Pascal Siakam is a perfect fit in this offense and is highly effective for this team. All of the Pacers roster can give you impactful minutes at any moment. Overall, the Pacers are one of the best teams in basketball, and it certainly translates to fantasy basketball.
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