The Pacers’ upcoming schedule just got a lot easier

The Indiana Pacers were expected to comfortably make the playoffs this season, and that sentiment was reinforced after their season opener against the Detroit Pistons. Indiana didn’t play their best against the Pistons, but they were resilient and still prevailed, starting the season 1-0.

Despite being a top team in the East, especially after their appearance in the conference finals last season, the Pacers have a difficult road ahead. However, as is the case with many teams, the Pacers will face numerous undermanned teams early in the season. Now it’s safe to add another playoff contender to the list.

After two seasons with the team, the Atlanta Hawks traded Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. For New Orleans, Murray will be a crucial part of the backcourt and will help take the team to new levels, which was evident in the season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls.

In the win, the former All-Star recorded 14 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and one steal. However, Murray suffered a broken left hand. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Murray is expected to miss four to six weeks due to the injury. The Pacers will face the Pelicans twice this season. Both games will take place within the next six weeks.

Indiana’s first game against the Pelicans will be Friday, November 1st in New Orleans. The Pelicans are not only missing Murray, but also their young forward Trey Murphy III. Then, just a few weeks later, on November 25th, the Pacers host the Pelicans in their final matchup of the regular season. While this is possible, it seems unlikely that Murray will return for this game.

While Murray isn’t an MVP candidate, he’s anything but a slacker. Last season he averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 45.9% from the field and 36.3% from the three-point line. He’s a player who can take over a game when needed, and considering how bad Indiana’s defense can be, not having to play him should be a huge relief for the team.

Regardless, the Pacers don’t have to worry about the Pelicans for another week or so. Meanwhile, they face the New York Knicks in a playoff rematch tonight before facing the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and reigning champion Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.