2018 NBA Power Rankings: Should the Houston Rockets be the favorites in the West?

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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6. Indiana Pacers (40-30)

If you’ve been waiting for the Indiana Pacers to fall back to reality, you’re going to keep waiting until, at least, next season. The Pacers have been the best feel-good story in the NBA this season, and they’re going to ride that momentum into the playoffs.

Indiana is currently tied for the 4th seed in the East, and with the way that the Cavs are playing, there’s actually a chance that they finish above the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Victor Oladipo has been the star that the Pacers hoped he’d be, and this team has clicked in a special way in the absence of Paul George. It’s actually pretty amazing considering everything that was said about this team leading up to the season.