Can the Indiana Pacers out-play the Pistons, Nets, and Celtics, given the moves they made, the rest of the way to get into the playoffs?
Donahue: They have a shot. The schedule has 16 home and 12 away, and George Hill’s minute limitation has just been lifted. If the Pacers can continue to build on their recent improved play, then they can make the playoffs in the East. This is regardless of Paul George’s return. That being said, they will probably need to win 16-to-18 of their final 28 games to grab a slot. The hole they’ve dug themselves is pretty deep.
The Pacers were simply playing better basketball than these teams heading into the All-Star Break and have gotten healthier since then.
Washburn: Absolutely. The Pacers were simply playing better basketball than these teams heading into the All-Star Break and have gotten healthier since then. Even without Paul George, I think the Pacers could and will finish ahead of all three of these teams the rest of the way. Can they catch Charlotte? That might be a little tougher.
Furr: I think it’s likely the Pacers outplay at least one of those teams; trades aren’t always an instant salve, and sometimes players just don’t fit. I would bet the Pacers outpace the Celtics and Nets, but the Pistons may be too much for them to handle.
Barth: Those teams made somewhat lateral moves in my opinion. I don’t see them getting hot down the stretch. The talent on those rosters is equal to the Pacers and that’s before PG makes his return.
Next: Is Nothing Better Than Evan Turner?