NBA Power Rankings: Buy or sell the Chicago Bulls atop the East?

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NBA Zion Williamson (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) /

26. Indiana Pacers

I don’t think anyone expected the Indiana Pacers to be a top-tier contender in the Eastern Conference but to have them as one of the five worst teams in the league is extremely surprising.

Changes are needed and, from all indications, likely coming. It will just come down to which players the Pacers will choose to keep as their core moving forward.

25. New Orleans Pelicans

There’s not to say about the New Orleans Pelicans. This team still has some major issues and the fact that Zion Williamson is working out and rehabbing away from the team can’t be a great development for the team that is looking to make a push-up the standings during the second half of the season.