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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Indiana Pacers

I don’t buy the Indiana Pacers. Not without Victor Oladipo, who’s expected to miss extended time this season. Factor in Bojan Bodganovic, Thaddeus Young and Cory Joseph all jumping ship, and pessimism is a valid stance.

The Pacers did bring in talented free agents. Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb and T.J. Warren are all valuable, starting-level players. Goga Bitadze could provide strong minutes behind Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis in the frontcourt. The Pacers still have plenty to work with.

Indiana stagnated in Oladipo’s absence last season. Brogdon isn’t a primary initiator at heart — he’s much more comfortable in a secondary role due to his limited burst and slow first step. Once Oladipo is back, they’re golden. But until then, the Pacers could have a real problem in terms of reliably breaking down halfcourt defenses.

Spacing is also a question. Sabonis playing power forward more often could hamstring Indiana’s ability to manufacture clean shots inside. He has seen a major dip in three-point volume since the trade from OKC, a cause for concern.

Adjustments will determine Indiana’s success. Brogdon will shoulder a much greater burden than the one he shouldered in Milwaukee. Warren will need to build on an efficient 2018-19 campaign, while Lamb will need to fit into a more rigid offensive role.

The Pacers added intriguing talent and, once Oladipo arrives, should look the part of a surefire playoff team. Given the importance of Bogdanovic on offense, not to mention the impact of Young and Joseph on defense, I simply question whether or not the Pacers truly survive Oladipo’s hiatus.

Final prediction: 44-38, No. 7 seed Eastern Conference