Andrew Nembhard Shines as Pacers Climb Eastern Conference

The Indiana Pacers have shown significant improvement this season, going 27-21 and securing the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, with Andrew Nembhard earning the NBA's Defensive Player of the Month award for January. Nembhard's impressive performance includes an average of 1.9 steals per game and contributing to the team's strong defensive rating. Despite his success, Obi Toppin may be at risk of being traded as the deadline approaches on February 6, with speculation surrounding his future due to the presence of stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner. Nembhard recently led the team in scoring with 17 points in a loss to the Blazers and played a crucial role in a narrow victory over the Jazz with 8 assists. The Pacers' commitment to Nembhard, highlighted by his three-year, $58.7 million contract extension, indicates their belief in his importance for the team's future. Overall, the Pacers are demonstrating a strong turnaround, winning 18 of their last 23 games after a slow start.