8 in 78 (Eastern Conference Mailbag 12.9.25)

<p>Nate and Danny take questions on Indiana through Washington in the Eastern Conference.  </p><p>Pacers — 0:13</p><p>What explains the divergence between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers despite their seemingly comparable losses in talent?</p><p>Did the Pacers truly “miss” on Ryan Nembhard given their existing guard depth with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell?</p><p>Do the Pacers have a starting-caliber center on the roster (Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, Tony Bradley), or will they ultimately need to upgrade?</p><p>What should Bennedict Mathurin’s next contract and long-term role look like?</p><p>Heat — 11:01</p><p>Why has the Bam Adebayo–Kel’el Ware starting lineup struggled defensively and in transition?</p><p>What is going on with Nikola Jović, and was his extension an overpay?</p><p>Can Jaime Jaquez Jr. eventually become a starter and primary handler, or is he capped as a high-end sixth man?</p><p>Why is Kel’el Ware playing so few minutes despite his fla...