Pacers fans didn't delude themselves into thinking this season would end with another deep run in the playoffs. Everyone in Indy pretty saw the writing on the wall as soon as Tyrese Haliburton went down in Game 7 of the NBA Finals; this was going to be a reset year which included lots of losses and (hopefully) lots of development, too.
So far, the first part has held true — Indiana is 5-18 — but the second part looks promising. Quenton Jackson was the first developmental success story for the Pacers this year, but has missed the past month-plus with a hamstring injury.