Indiana Pacers: 3 Possible Fallouts in Missing the Playoffs

Expectations were high for the Indiana Pacers following last season’s impressive 45-28 finish, which was good for fourth in the Eastern Conference. Despite missing key players to injuries, the Blue and Gold made waves in the regular season and were considered as the dark horse in the East.

With a healthy squad entering the campaign, the Pacers got off to a fast 6-2 start. However, a season-ending injury to TJ Warren, alongside elongated absences from Caris LeVert and Myles Turner, have pushed the team beneath the East pecking order. From a postseason lock, Indiana is currently just a play-in contender at 9th in the conference standings.

Be that as it may, Nate Bjorkgren’s squad is certainly better than what their record suggests. With a young All-Star in Domantas Sabonis, defensive phenom Myles Turner, fringe All-Stars in Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert and TJ Warren, alongside a deep bench and a modern offense and defense, the Indiana Pacers have what it takes to crash the competition and pose a threat against the likes of the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks in theory. Health has simply been elusive for this franchise for far too long.

In the NBA however, health often needs a waiting game and a dash of luck. If the Indiana Pacers miss the postseason this year, the front office may not settle anymore on waiting for the stars to finally align. As a result, here are 3 possible fallouts if the team does not qualify for the playoffs in the much-improved East.