NBA: 10 teams looking to make a playoff push in the second half of 2017-18

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks drives past David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks drives past David Nwaba #11 of the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Indiana Pacers

Record:

22-20 (8th in the East)

The Case:

The Pacers have continued to be an elite offense, thanks to superstar production from Victor Oladipo. His importance to the team has been magnified in the 5 games he has missed. In those contests the Pacers have gone 0-5, losing by an average of 12.8 points. The Pacers’ playoff aspirations will depend on whether or not Victor Oladipo can continue to carry the offense and produce at his current level.

The Pacers are certainly good enough to be a playoff team and they have shown the ability to compete with some of the league’s best. Their destiny will depend on whether or not they continue to make some of the tough shots they have been living on this season.