Could the Indiana Pacers add a big man after Ivica Zubac's injury? Inverse standings watch + two-ways

This episode of the Locked On Pacers podcast dives into the implications of Avicii Zubac's season-ending injury, exploring whether the Pacers could add a center via a hardship contract or other mechanisms. Host Tony East breaks down the financial and roster constraints, noting that while the Pacers can't afford a standard contract without exceeding the luxury tax, a hardship contract (10 days, $132,000) could allow them to bring in a center if they meet specific injury criteria—requiring four players out for three consecutive games, including Zubac. The discussion also touches on the strategic use of two-way players like Jalen Slauson, Ethan Thompson, and Talen Peter, emphasizing the need to preserve their availability for the final stretch of the season to maximize evaluation and consistency. The episode then shifts to Standings Watch, where the Pacers remain firmly in the bottom four, now four wins behind the Kings with 11 games left. Despite the losing streak, Tony argues that winning a few games won’t change their lottery position, but the outcomes of double-tank games (like Kings vs. Nets and Jazz vs. Wizards) still matter for seeding. A key nuance discussed is how losing the 2031 first-round pick could actually benefit the Pacers by unlocking trade flexibility under the Stepien Rule, allowing them to trade multiple future picks in one deal. The episode closes with a reminder of the importance of strategic roster management and the long-term value of draft assets. Key takeaways include: 1) The Pacers may use a hardship contract to add a center if a fourth player is injured long-term; 2) Two-way players should be preserved for the final 8–9 games to maximize their impact; 3) Winning a few games won’t change the Pacers’ lottery position, but double-tank outcomes still matter for seeding; 4) Losing the 2031 first-round pick could be strategically beneficial due to trade flexibility; 5) The Pacers’ current roster depth allows them to survive without a backup center, but evaluation opportunities remain valuable. The overall tone is analytical and pragmatic, with a focus on long-term planning over short-term wins.