Let’s begin with good news. The Indiana Pacers should be a fine NBA team. Every projected starter had an above average 2018-2019 season by PER standards. They are a collectively competent squad. New acquisitions Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, and T.J. Warren should help keep the offense from falling flat in Victor Oladipo’s absence, as it did in last season’s playoffs. The defense will likely be as staunch as always. They’ll surely punch their ticket to the playoffs for a 5th straight season.
Now, let’s dig into some not as great news. Although the Pacers have made 4 straight post season appearances, they have failed to advance to the second round in each opportunity.