The Indiana Pacers team is definitely not the worst team in the upcoming 2017-18 NBA season. However, with Paul George now in the company of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the chance of getting past the regular season is close to nil, as some NBA analysts and initial forecasts suggested.

According to most forecasts and predictions for the 2017-18 NBA standing, the Indiana Pacers will finish 11th in the East with a projected 31.5 wins. This figure is at least 10 games behind the projected win-loss record of the team who will snag the last playoff spot.

But these are just predictions and anything can still happen. With players they have brought in during the offseason, the Pacers’ front office and fans are hoping they have enough firepower to break into the NBA Playoffs even without PG13. Here is the projected starting lineup of the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers frontline

Myles Turner is undoubtedly the face of the rebuilding Indiana Pacers. The 21-year old center has proven his wide array of offensive prowess on top of his towering defense. Last season, we saw an improved Turner who is capable of playing a stretch 5 with his mid-range jump-shots. Entering his third year in the league, Turner could become one of the biggest threats especially if he can improve his post-up game.

The other remaining starter for the Pacers, Thaddeus Young has shown solid performance on both ends of the court. During the first half of last season, we saw a stretch 4 Young draining shots from beyond the arc last season. If he could further improve his outside shooting, the Pacers could have one of the most dangerous frontlines this coming season, offensively and defensively.

Filling the big shoes left by PG13 at starting small forward is Bojan Bogdanovic. While the Croatian may be a big liability on defense based on last season’s RPM, his shooting percentage is comparable to the former Pacers superstar (not to mention Bogdanovic was playing alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal when he dropped 8-of-10 from beyond the arc).

At some point, some NBA analysts suggested that Glenn Robinson III may start at No. 3 once he comes out of injury. Watch out for rookies T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu who are welcome additions for the Pacers, both on offense and defense.

The Pacers backcourt

Darren Collison is coming back for a second tour with the Indiana Pacers, replacing Jeff Teague at the point guard position. The 30-year old 6’0” point guard may just be a secondary scorer, yet he shouldn’t be left open from beyond the arc – his most lethal weapon.

Completing the Indiana Pacers starting lineup is Victor Oladipo, one of Paul George’s replacements.

The team’s highest-paid player on the roster, Oladipo is an instant upgrade to the Pacers’ problem last season at No. 2 where they experimented on Monta Ellis and C.J. Miles. Oladipo can play both the two guards which give Pacers head coach Nate McMillan an option to a faster offense.

If the Pacers want to play big, Oladipo can play the point with Robinson III sliding at the shooting guard position (again, once he's back from injury). Coach McMillan can also opt to have a faster Cory Joseph-Victor Oladipo combination.
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