NBA Power Rankings: The curious case of the Knicks; red-hot Magic surging in East

The New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic are the subject of this week's NBA Power Rankings.

Charlotte Hornets v Orlando Magic
Charlotte Hornets v Orlando Magic | Julio Aguilar/GettyImages
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16. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. The Pacers have the best offense in the NBA and that is pretty evident when watching this team play. However, at the same rate, their struggling defense (bottom 3 in the league) is something that can't be glossed over either. Tyrese Haliburton is easily one of the best offensive players in the league and his star power continues to grow across the league.

Myles Turner has been a formidable second option but if the Pacers are going to be a consistent threat in the Eastern Conference, you'd have to assume that another move is going to have to be made. And that's been the Pacers' biggest issue throughout this season, aside from their struggling defensive efforts.

Either way, the Pacers are still a team that no one will want to face in a playoff setting. Having to keep pace with the Pacers is not ideal, even less so for veteran teams that they're likely going to be matched up with in a first-round playoff series (if they can make it that far). The Pacers are still a year or two from being a real contender; that much has been evident over the past few weeks.