Like the Indiana Pacers are seeing this season, a lot of their success will depend on just how healthy they can be.
The Pacers were just one win away from winning an NBA Championship last season, but they now stand alone as the worst team in the league a few months into the regular season. A big reason for this (if not pretty obviously the main reason) is because of all the injuries they have dealt with.
In addition to Tyrese Haliburton being out for the season due to an Achilles injury, the Pacers have been without Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, and T.J. McConnell (just to name a few) for extensive periods of time this season. And these injuries have played a huge role in them having the worst record in the NBA.
The Pacers can re-enter the title picture sooner than later
This season is just going to be a wash for the Pacers, at least in terms of them actually trying to compete for a championship. They are in way too deep a hole to dig themselves out of, they are currently 10 games behind the No. 10 seed Atlanta Hawks, and they are not going to make a postseason appearance (barring some sort of miracle).
Regardless, they still have a very bright future. And there are reasons to think they should be able to make it back to the NBA Finals and try to finish what they started last season.
Getting Haliburton back is going to be a huge help. Even if he's not the same All-NBA caliber player that fans have been accustomed to seeing right away, just having an extra body and someone who can facilitate the ball at an elite level will benefit the Pacers immediately and in the long run.
Plus, since it's looking like Indiana will get a high lottery pick in this year's draft, it has a unique opportunity to reshape the team and further improve its long-term outlook.
However, while all of this sounds fun in theory, it will all come down to players staying as healthy as they can. This was a big reason the Pacers found as much success as they did in each of the last two seasons, and it will continue to be one from here on out.
If the Pacers can stay healthy next season and beyond, they will once again be a team to keep an eye on in the Eastern Conference and in the playoffs.