3 Eastern Conference Contenders Other Than Pacers Impacted the Most by Victor Oladipo's Return
By Mark Powell
The Pacers were just fine without Victor Oladipo, proving that the former All-Star's return just adds to an embarrassment of riches in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. The balanced attack of this year's Pacers, fueled by leading scorer TJ Warren and floor general Malcolm Brogdon, should make for a dangerous out come playoff time.
With Indiana square in the Eastern Conference playoff race with the potential to rise all the way to the No. 3 seed in the coming weeks, Oladipo's return means everything not only to the Pacers, but their competition.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are one slot above the Pacers in the East Standings, and have underachieved so far this season. Should they continue to slump, even with the return of Joel Embiid, Indiana could pass them easily and then some.
2. Boston Celtics
The Celtics currently hold the No. 4 spot in the East, but are less than two games from falling to the six seed. Boston wants to hold on to first round homecourt, but that's no guarantee, especially if the return of Dipo sparks an Indiana run.
1. Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler and the Heat have been one of the better stories in all of the NBA this season, but should they fall back down to Earth, the Pacers are well within striking distance. Oladipo is an All-Star level talent at his best, and Indiana is very capable of overtaking Miami (currently just two games ahead of the Pacers) should the former Hoosiers guard go off in the coming weeks.