8 points, 9 seconds
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A nightmare scenario is looming for the Pacers

By Ryan Eggers

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 9: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers grabs the rebound against the Boston Celtics on February 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 9: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers grabs the rebound against the Boston Celtics on February 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Bojan Bogdanovic Indiana Pacers
Bojan Bogdanovic Indiana Pacers /

Scenario 2: Pacers miss the playoffs (Good)

While the Pacers didn’t make a move at the deadline, it effectively made their prospects of success this year worse. The Cleveland Cavaliers patched up any doubt that they’re the kings of the Central Division. The Detroit Pistons, who are currently behind the Pacers in the standings, grabbed Blake Griffin (and on a more low-key note, James Ennis).

Making the playoffs is no lock for the Pacers, even sitting 7 games above .500. They’re only one loss ahead of the worst loss-total in the East playoffs right now (the Heat have 26 losses, the Pacers have 25). Who’s in 9th? The Pistons, who only have 3 more losses and 1 more Griffin than the Pacers.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Like the scenario where the Pacers do really well, the idea of the Pacers absolutely crumbling isn’t all that likely either. Not only would the Pacers have to stumble, but every other team in the East would have to keep their head above water as well.

Out of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat and the Pistons, it’s likely that one of them will eventually fall off. It would take a perfect storm for the Pacers to end up with the 9th seed.

And even though it would sting now, this too is a good scenario for the Pacers. It wouldn’t be great for the 2017-18 team, but lottery picks are what this franchise needs. If Pritchard gets a top 14 pick, he has a lot more room to make magic as a GM.

Such a player could be one of the final pieces to a core of Oladipo, Turner and Domantas Sabonis. As good as the team seems right now, they’ve not a championship (or even an East) contender. They need a lot more and better assets to eventually become one.

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