Indiana Pacers: Starting lineup locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

Indiana Pacers starting lineup: Locks, fringe, and potential break-ins

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Malcolm Brogdon #7 high fives Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers after a play against the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at AdventHealth Arena on August 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /

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Indiana Pacers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Locks for the starting lineup

For the Indiana Pacers, given the issues with health coming into the season, there are only three complete locks to be in the starting lineup for the season. Let’s start with the only one who has a realistic chance to possibly not be in place long term.

Victor Oladipo was the crucial piece in the Paul George trade and the team made the right decision to bring him back. His value was at an all-time low after a lost season last year and he deserves a chance to come back and show that he can get back to his All-Star ways. Last season he posted averages of 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game over 19 games.

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He has only played 55 games over the last two seasons. The hope is that he can get back to his 2017-2018 form (23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals) and he will be a lock start the season. Oladipo being Oladipo is essential for this team to be successful as long as he is on the team.

During his absence, the player he was traded with ascended into starter lock and All-Star form. Domantas Sabonis exploded last season, jumping up to average 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He was the hub for this offense, at least before the T.J. Warren experience in the bubble. He made his first All-Star appearance and has taken the lead in the debate between himself and a big man to be discussed later.

Finally, Malcolm Brogdon is a no-brainer here. He posted career highs in scoring, assists, rebounds, minutes and field goals attempts last season. His efficiency dipped, but that was to be expected given his significant jump in usage rate (20.7 percent to 25.2 percent) Brogdon should settle in this season and will likely look even better.

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