Rest vs Rust: Are the Pacers Gaining an Edge or Losing Their Rhythm?

[Romsey31]

With the Pacers enjoying a well-earned break after closing out the last round, the big question is , will this rest help us come out sharper, or will it kill the momentum we’ve been building?




On one hand, this time off gives Haliburton and the squad a chance to recharge, recover from any knocks, and come in fresh. But on the flip side, the rhythm and chemistry we’ve seen recently could cool off especially when the other side might be battle-tested and locked in.




What do you all think ? is this rest a blessing or could we see a bit of rust when the next series tips off would you prefer if the Knicks wrapped up their series or it goes the distance?

[RWB]

As posted in another thread it is possible (rust) but Pascal and TJ will benefit so much with fresher legs.

[yoadknux]

Worse for game 1, better for games 5-7

[InYaFace]

This matchup gonna be harder than the last two, so I think at this stage it's beneficial for the team. When you consider that we will start on the road, its ok when we are a little rusty in game one. The Pacers conditioning is their sepcial weapon, so recharging the batteries will be very helpful for whatever comes our way. Man I am beyond hyped, cause we have a real chance this year!!!

[Cubs231721]

Pacers with a bunch of rest this season

1st game: at Detroit, won by 6
After In season tournament break: at Philly, won by 14
After arriving in France: Spurs, lost by 30
After coming back from France: home Detroit, won by 14
After All-Star Break: Home Memphis, won by 14
Start of playoffs: Home Milwaukee, won by 19
Start of second round: at Cleveland, won by 9

Those last three they've looked especially sharp in. I think rest and practice time tends to be a benefit for the team.

Plus, the Pacers were going to be coming in with at least 5 days rest and at max 7 days rest regardless of how long the other series goes. I consider the Pacers situation kind of baked in. I want the series to go long so their opponent doesn't get a good amount of rest before game 1 and then again between games 1 and 2. That will benefit the Pacers later in a potential series.

[natjjohn]

I think helpful. The way the Pacers play (high up tempo; more usage of bench and more minutes for bench), getting a recharge is helpful while their prospective opponent gets worn down gassed coming in.

[RamBo_Lamar]

Absolutely gaining an edge. These guys aren't just laying around on couches eating potato chips and drinking soda pop. I guarantee the players and supporting cast (couching staff, etc.) are well aware of the golden opportunity that's presented itself. While I don't know the exact details of what they do in this situation, would guess they would be focused on nutrition, conditioning, and practicing, but not to the point that they risk injury. The coaches and scouts surely are taking the time to closely observe and scrutinize the remaining teams left to assess their strengths, weaknesses, schemes, trends, etc. to get the team properly prepared for who they will see next. Rust prevention is in full force from top to bottom. This is "time off" being very well spent, count on it.

[Slick Pinkham]

If the Knicks-Celtics series goes 7 games then I have to think that 7 days off beats 1 day off, by a lot.

If the Knicks-Celtics series goes 6 games, though, then 7 days off instead 3 days off might not be much of an advantage.

[idioteque]

This whole situation feels so strange as a Pacers fan. Last year this team had to win two pretty grueling series to get to the ECF, this year it has almost felt too easy.

I think this team matches up pretty well against the Knicks, to the point where I will actually be disappointed if we don’t make the Finals. I haven’t really felt that way since the 2004 ECF but that basically just owed to my ignorance as to how big the Rasheed Wallace addition was to the Pistons. I wanted us to beat Miami and later Boston and I thought we had some shot but they were rightfully the favorites.

If we make the Finals, I would expect us to be able to handle Minnesota or Denver. OKC is the only team that I would actually expect to beat us, but they haven’t won anything and SGA doesn’t really have a clear #2; I don’t find them nearly as tough to beat as Kobe and Shaq back in the day.

The whole situation is very surreal.