NBA: Resetting the East team rosters heading into the restart
By Kyle Craib
6th: Indiana Pacers (↓1)
The Pacers are one of the most resilient teams in the NBA. Not many starting lineups could lose their star player and continue onto a 32-20 record, but yet that is the case with Indiana and Victor Oladipo.
After missing a grand total of 371 days with a ruptured quad tendon, Oladipo made his grand return shortly before the NBA hiatus. Despite not looking 100 percent, he still was able to produce, averaging 13.8 points per game in 13 games this season.
Pacers’ fans were holding their breath when Oladipo first announced that he would not be playing in the Orlando restart. However, the two-time all-star has seemingly had a change of heart, playing in Indiana’s scrimmage games prior to the official restart. When it comes to seeding games and the postseason, Oladipo remains undecided.
Domantas Sabonis will not be joining the team in Orlando after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and being sent home to recover. As of now, there is no timetable for the big man’s return. Sabonis is a huge loss for the Pacers, coming off of a career year averaging 18.5 points while collecting 12.4 rebounds and dishing out five assists.
With Sabonis going down, look towards fellow power forward T.J. Leaf to get additional minutes with the bench unit. This is a chance for Leaf to show what he can do on a larger stage, after being limited to just below eight minutes per game this season.
Also on the injury list, Jeremy Lamb remains out for the season nursing an ACL tear from earlier in the year. Lamb averaged 12.5 points per game before going down with the injury.
Injuries leave the Pacers in a tough spot going into the seeding games. If Indiana can scratch and claw their way to stay afloat without their star players, they could hobble into the playoffs and have a chance if some players return. However, if Oladipo and Sabonis remain out for the restart, it could be a very short trip to Orlando for the Pacers.