Yes, ‘Cers. The Pacers have secured a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs — with a significant leg up on the competition.
The team will have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday + again Sunday with a 27-point comeback in double overtime — marking win No. 50 of the season and the largest comeback in the NBA this season.
Starting on home court is definitely an advantage for Indiana, as it played a major role in last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals. This year’s home record (29-11) is the best for the Blue + Gold since they went 35-6 during the 2013-14 season.
“I think this is one of the best places to play in the playoffs,” said Myles Turner in Thursday’s post-game interview. “The atmosphere, the environment — the city just has a different buzz. I’m excited to open things up here.”
In addition to home-court advantage, the Pacers will also be wearing their City Edition jerseys — which may just be the team’s good luck charm. This season, they were 17-4 when wearing them.
Last week, the Pacers also set a new NBA record with 107 consecutive games with 100+ points at home, breaking the Spurs record set between 1978-1981.
This will be the Blue and Gold’s second consecutive year in the playoffs after Indiana made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 10 years last season.
The Pacers playoff run begins at home against the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m.
Playoff tickets are on sale now, so act fast if you want to experience the unmatched energy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in person.
