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Early preseason predictions for the Indiana Pacers

By Luke Parrish

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, Rick Carlisle
Indiana Pacers, Rick Carlisle – Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

How will the Indiana Pacers do in the 2021-22 regular season?

The regular season was where the Pacers thrived under Nate McMillan before falling apart in the first round of the playoffs. They consistently put together strong seasons and wound up near the top of the East but couldn’t quite get things done in the playoffs. Nate Bjorkgren’s arrival put them a few steps in the wrong direction which led to the hiring of Rick Carlisle this summer.

Carlisle was the right guy for the job when he was announced and the front office should be happy about it. Indiana brings in a proven head coach to help lead a starting five that consists of four high-caliber scoring threats and a potential Defensive Player of the Year.

Last season, Warren was shut down almost immediately while Caris LeVert missed two months after his trade to Indiana. That left the Pacers with two glaring holes in the starting lineup before Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis battles nagging injuries of their own.

Eventually, health will be on Indiana’s side in some capacity. I’m not asking for a perfectly healthy season but losing key starters for long stretches has put a dent in their plans for far too long.

This season, Indiana will have the depth to handle the loss of any of their key starters with Isaiah Jackson and Chris Duarte having the flexibility to fit in wherever they are needed. T.J. McConnell returning at backup point guard is a good safety net for Malcolm Brogdon as well.

With everything back to normal for now, let’s give a bit of a more realistic prediction for the regular season. The Pacers should be back in the mix for a playoff spot in the East despite a tougher road to the postseason this year.

Prediction: The Indiana Pacers finish with a record of 44-38, good for 7th in the Eastern Conference and setting them up for a first-round clash with the Milwaukee Bucks if they survive the Play-in.  

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