Pacers' Primary Goal: The Next Game

The Pacers are 20-10, a pace that would bring 54 victories over the course of the season. They have won seven consecutive games to move into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference, two games back of Toronto. Victor Oladipo has returned, recovered from an injury and taking a revised approach to the offense that brings out the best in his teammates.

So, is it time for this rising team to start broaching the C-word? Is it safe to talk division championship? Conference championship? The whole deal?

At this point, an overly humble attitude would sound disingenuous. But, it's generally regarded as poor form, if not bad luck, to bring up lofty ambitions, although Larry Bird boldly injected…