Indiana Pacers: Bold predictions for do-or-die game against the Wizards

The Indiana Pacers were always on the verge this season — on the verge of a solid record, falling to the lottery, firing their head coach, or being eliminated from the postseason. Yet here they are, with the chance of going past those fringes and entering the playoffs with a win in the upcoming do-or-die against the Washington Wizards.

After unprecedentedly routing the Hornets en route to a 144-117 win, the Pacers find themselves fighting for their lives once more against the Wizards, who lost in the 7-8 game versus the Celtics. With momentum on their side, the Blue and Gold should be confident in their chances of securing a win and sneak into the playoffs despite a down year.

However, not all that glitters is golden. Indiana has an arguably better and more balanced roster than Washington, but the latter swept the season series 3-0 in ludicrous fashion. Led by Russell Westbrook’s monster triple-doubles and Bradley Beal’s proverbial scoring eruptions, they’ve had the Blue and Gold’s number this season and similarly have a strong precedent for success.

With the season on the line, the Indiana Pacers will surely bring out all their guns to extend their five-year playoff streak. Thus, in the spirit of rational hope, here are some bold predictions for the most important game of the season.