In the midst of a five-game losing streak, weariness can be expected. The Indiana Pacers hadn’t lost more than two in a row since the three-game slide to start the season. They were showing potential to be a playoff disruptor before the return of Victor Oladipo, but due to the integration of their star, they haven’t looked the same in the six games since.
This shouldn’t totally come as a surprise. Integrating low-usage behemoths like Zion Williamson is much easier than reintroducing a player that is expected to provide for himself and others. Oladipo’s role is a much more complex organism than any rookie’s.