Pacers in the news: tanking chatter and late-season drama as they chase a top pick and reshuffle after a rough 2023-24. Indiana’s NBA franchise, founded 1967 in Indy.
With 91% of the NBA season played, playoff spots are nearly decided. Several teams are locked into postseason positions, while others are battling for seeding. The league faces ongoing discussions about tanking and draft reforms, amid teams declining White House invitations due to timing conflicts.
The NBA is planning significant changes to its draft lottery system to address ongoing tanking issues. League officials, including commissioner Adam Silver, are working on reforms following recent blatant tanking behaviors, with a vote expected in May. The league also discusses expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.
The NBA draft lottery has delivered a fifth pick to the Clippers through a deal that sent Indiana’s top-4 pick and Myles Turner away; Indiana now misses the No. 5 selection it hoped for and must regroup with Ivica Zubac joining the Clippers, while Tyrese Haliburton is set to return from injury.
The Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals have surged in viewership, with Game 4 drawing 20.9 million viewers—the most for a Finals Game 4 since 1998. Through four games, the series averages 19.6 million, up 116% from last year, driven by New York’s market, Victor Wembanyama, and dramatic finishes. The Knicks can clinch the title in San Antonio.