5. Indiana Pacers (39-26)
Grade: B
With Victor Oladipo only playing 13 games during the 2019-20 season, the Indiana Pacers have held their own and been rock solid. Players like Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon (before his injury) took a step up without their all-star in the lineup. They now have another all-star in the lineup with Sabonis became a first-time all-star this year. Brogdon had the offense in a great rhythm before he went down with a hip injury.
They are not the most exciting team to watch but their strategy is effective and they get the job done. They are very well-coached and have a good bench which has earned them a 39-26 record, the 5th seed in the East, the same spot they finished the season last year. It is hard to not see them being higher if you paired a healthy Oladipo with Brogdon in the backcourt to start the season.
The Indiana Pacers are middle of the pack when it comes to the best teams in the East but they’re a team who would be a tough out in the playoffs. They play defense, have shooters who can spread the court, and are well-coached. They can beat you inside with Sabonis, have a wing that can score a bit in TJ Warren and If you factor in a healthy Oladipo and Brogdon, they become that much better. With the backcourt scenario being hypothetical, they have held their own with the injuries they’ve dealt with and are a rock-solid team.