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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Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images /

Predictions

Over the course of an 82-game season, most teams will experience ups and downs along the way. Indiana will have its moments, but massive change and lack of elite talent will cause more bad days than good.

There are so many questions going into the 2017-18 campaign, and too many of those answers will not be what the team or the fanbase would prefer.

Some of the new additions will not succeed — Bojan Bogdanovic is one candidate for failure, given his non-existent defense and overstated shooting ability.

The team will find life difficult without a go-to All-Star in the lineup, and growing pains in the leadership department will also be an issue throughout the season.

The Pacers will end up with a 32-50 record on the year, which will place them 11th in the Eastern Conference when all is said and done.

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The ride will be bumpy this season in Indiana, but the franchise has a solid plan in place and this year will represent the first step in its targeted return to relevance.

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