Pacers Links: Pacers set to open season against the Knicks

The Pacers are ready to start the season in relatively good health.

By Tom Lewis@IndyCornrows Dec 23, 2020, 10:00am EST

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Happy Pacers Opening Day!

The Pacers will tip off yet another unique season on Wednesday evening at a mostly empty Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Old friends, the Knicks are the first opponent to help the Pacers usher in the Nate Bjorkgren era at BLF which promises to look a lot different than the last Nate era despite all of the familiar faces wearing blue and gold.

During preseason play there was plenty of interesting subplots aside from the 0-3 record. For starters, the team averaged 42 threes per game without hesitation and with the floor spread, showed they can still get Sabonis bulldozing to the rim. The switching, pressure defense showed it can be feast or famine, but hopefully the versatile depth on the roster will help keep the defense in attack mode.

The best news heading into the opener is that T.J. Warren and Myles Turner both expect to play. Since the Pacers had to use the Holidays in the starting lineup for the final two preseason games, the normal rotation was never in place which lead to some wild fluctuations on the scoreboard.

But nothing remains normal with the 72-game, shortened season and minimal preseason prep, so ready or not, it is go time!

The Pacers are as healthy as they have been in a long time (seasons worth of time) and that alone is worth celebrating on opening night. Hopefully, their play under new coach Nate Brjokgren will add to the excitement even if there is no one at the Fieldhouse to make it rock.

Check out the links:

Game Preview: Pacers vs Knicks | Indiana Pacers

Excitement Abounds as Pacers Prepare to Tip Off New Season | Indiana Pacers

Pacers' starting 5 on opening night likely won't stay same - Indy Star

Pacers news: Nate Bjorkgren looking forward to first game as head coach

Indiana Pacers Preparing For A Season Defined By Continuity

Plan ahead: How Sinclair's dispute with TV providers impacts how you can watch Pacers games - Fieldhouse Files with Scott Agness

Pacers: Who'll benefit most on the Indiana Pacers for 2020-21 season

The Indiana Pacers Are Pressing "Reset" On The Court—And In The Boardroom – Indianapolis Monthly

Local Children Get Chance to Shop with the Pacers as the Season of Giving, Delivered by Papa John's, Continues | Indiana Pacers

Knicks fired up ahead of season opener vs. Pacers

Indiana Pacers: Why Fans Should Give Victor Oladipo Another Chance