Instead, a series of injuries have severely thinned the Pacers once-deep roster, Haliburton's shots stopped falling, the losses piled up and suddenly the straight-talking guy who inspired so many with his beaming, trademark smile didn't look or sound like himself.

One of the bigger issues for Indiana has been the struggles of star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton was expected to take another step forward this season after helping to lead