Pacers in the Eastern Conference have made their mark with the addition of All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, showcasing their potential in the midst of a calculated risk.

After parting with Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks, the Pacers have bolstered their lineup when they landed a running mate for Tyrese Haliburton.

Oddsmakers have taken note of this significant move.

Although Indiana is still seen as an underdog in the NBA Finals this season, their odds have improved at various betting platforms. BetMGM has shortened their odds from +6600 to +5000, DraftKings from +12000 to +7000, and BetRivers from +10000 to +8000.

Currently seventh in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-17, the Pacers are trailing the Boston Celtics by 8 1/2 games. However, they are only half a game behind the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, who hold the last two playoff positions above the play-in tournament.

This remarkable progress is evident as their odds to win the Eastern Conference have shifted from +3000 to +2000 at BetMGM and from +5000 to +2500 at DraftKings. Meanwhile, they remain at +4000 at BetRivers.

Siakam’s arrival is anticipated to significantly strengthen a defense that currently ranks 29th in the NBA. This improvement is vital for the Pacers, as they have conceded at least 130 points in 11 games, the most among winning teams this season.

Despite facing a two-game losing streak, the Pacers will aim to recover when they play the Sacramento Kings.

Their recent performances have seen them struggle to maintain their high-scoring average of 125.6 points per game for the season, as they only managed to score an average of 107 points during the two losses.

The Pacers currently sit 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the Central Division and 3.0 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their odds to win the division have been adjusted, dropping from +2000 to +900 at DraftKings after the trade.

Siakam, at 29 years old, is entering the final season of a substantial four-year, $136.9 million contract. Free agency beckons this offseason unless he secures an extension with the Pacers.

ESPN has reported Siakam’s eagerness to negotiate a new deal with the Pacers in the upcoming summer. The talented forward has been performing impressively this season, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 39 starts while maintaining a shooting percentage of 52.2%.

Pacers President of Basketball Operations, Kevin Pritchard, expressed his enthusiasm for Siakam’s addition, highlighting his offensive prowess and defensive versatility as valuable assets to the team.