Coming home 2-2 from their road trip in The “Wild Wild West” , the Indiana Pacers (13-10) are currently 5th in the now competitive Eastern Conference. Last Season’s “Most Improved Player” point guard Victor Oladipo is still out with a knee injury with no return date in sight, according to ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. This put more playing time & pressure on veteran guard Darren Collison, who came up big in the 109-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns. But, came up short in the final seconds of 96-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers & the 110-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Overall, the 2-2 record on the road defines exactly where the Indiana Pacers are right now without Oladipo: Not Great, Not Bad, But Just Average. With the Eastern Conference being home to up & coming greats like Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, Charlotte Hornets' Kemba Walker, Boston Celtics' entire roster (bench included) & Toronto Raptors' sleeping giants (Kawhi Leonard & Danny Green); the Pacers have to step it up both offensively & defensively as we go into the holidays. In order to put the franchise in the best position before the 2018-2019 All Star Break, to avoid another possible 1st round Playoff elimination by Toronto, Milwaukee or Boston.