Early preseason predictions for the Indiana Pacers

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Malcom Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Malcom Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers – Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

What should fans expect from the Indiana Pacers this season?

So far this week we have taken a look at the best and worst possible scenarios for the Indiana Pacers during the 2021-22 NBA season. Indiana missed the playoffs last year and found themselves at the end of the NBA Draft Lottery but their goals should be much higher this time around.

With a new head coach at the helm – and one that has proven to be very respected – the Pacers should be somewhat optimistic about their near future. Rick Carlisle returns to Indiana to finish his business from over a decade ago and the Pacers have a playoff-caliber roster as things stand.

The only thing that is clearly in their way right now is the risk of injury, which I know has been an annoying caveat for a long time. Indiana has built this roster on guys with obvious injury concerns with the hope of them staying healthy enough to make it worth their time. Up to this point, those same concerns have proven to be difficult.

Several key players have missed time over the past two seasons, including the playoffs. T.J. Warren, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner have all missed the end of the season recently.

Will the Indiana Pacers finally get over the hump as they take on a tough Eastern Conference this year or will they continue to be left behind? Here are realistic expectations for the team in 2021-22.