The Indiana Pacers currently have two solid winning streaks going: a four-game streak against the Dallas Mavericks and a five-game streak against the Washington Wizards. It will not be the be-all and end-all, but if Indiana can keep these streaks alive, it will help prove that they can still be competitive next season, despite many anticipating a gap year.
Interestingly enough, the Pacers will take on both teams back-to-back in February, according to their official schedule. While this will not be the first time Indiana faces either team during the season, it will still be a great test regardless.
The Pacers have had each team's numbers amid their recent success, and continuing their hot streak would bode well for them. With Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf next season, not many are expecting the Pacers to be competitive. Though another deep playoff run will be unlikely, they still have what it takes to make some noise and prove that next year will not be a gap year.
Victories against Washington and Dallas do not immediately move the Pacers back into title contention. Even so, this will be a good test for them, especially as they look to exceed expectations once again.
The Pacers can still be competitive next year
In a sudden turn of events, the Pacers just went from taking the best team in the league to Game 7 in the NBA Finals to now being a borderline playoff team (if that). However, while their situation is far from ideal, they can't be counted out just yet.
There are a few teams in the East alone who realistically have a better shot at winning it all next season. This includes the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, two teams they knocked out in the playoffs last season. Even so, the Pacers still have a talented team, and with Rick Carlisle still leading the way, anything can happen.
Not only will Indiana be without Haliburton, but they now must navigate life without Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason. With the big changes they are working through, the Pacers will likely go through their fair share of ups and downs next year. Additionally, their identity is going to be completely different. However, they still have enough talent to be a team worth keeping an eye on.
The Pacers still have a lot going for them, even if it may not seem like it at the moment. They are a young team with a bright future, they still have a good roster, and they have one of the greatest offensive minds the game has ever seen as their head coach. Plus, it certainly helps that they are in a weaker Eastern Conference that is as wide-open as it has been in a very long time.
Is another NBA Finals appearance likely for Indiana next season? No. However, they should still be able to re-establish themselves as legitimate title contenders soon enough.
While everybody continues to count out the Pacers, labelling next season a gap year for the team, they will aim to keep doing what has worked for them so far by being resilient and playing team basketball. It might not lead to a championship, but it could help them shock the basketball world. Again.