Indiana Pacers: 2017-18 NBA season preview

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 08: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Best-case scenario

This would include Myles Turner and Victor Oladipo playing so well that they are up for All-Star consideration, and in general, all the moving parts coming together much more quickly than expected.

The bench would have to become a surprise strength of the team, led by talented but unpredictable Lance Stephenson. Nate McMillan would also have to settle on a rotation early that works well and doesn’t need much tweaking.

This best-case scenario would result in a 38-40 win season and have Indiana squarely in the hunt for the eighth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

Worst-case scenario

The season will head straight downhill if the team’s young leaders fail to fill the void in that department. In particular, Myles Turner is being counted upon heavily, but he is stepping into a role that is new territory for him.

Injuries could completely derail Indiana, as the team is already looking at an overall talent deficit, even when the roster is completely healthy.

In addition, some mixture of poor play and a lack of team chemistry would have the Pacers drifting in the neighborhood of 24-26 victories this season, which would at least put them in contention for a high draft pick in 2018.

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