After playing like utter trash to obtain the worst record in the NBA, all of the sudden they’ve won 3 of their last 6 games.
Their draft pick this year is only top 4 protected from the Zubac trade. The lotto top 4 picks are awarded by lottery. If the Pacers wind up with the worst record and doesn’t win a top 4 spot, they will give up the #5 pick. Since the 3 worst team records have the same odds of winning a top 4 lottery pick, the Pacers all of the sudden decided they can win a few games, since they are a lock to stay in the bottom 3.
It would be less embarrassing for them to lose their draft pick this year, if they don’t end up with the absolute worst record in the NBA.