Fansided

5 teams who need to make the 2017 NBA Playoffs

By Noah Strackbein

Feb 23, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forwards DeMarcus Cousins (left) talks Anthony Davis before their game against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forwards DeMarcus Cousins (left) talks Anthony Davis before their game against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Indiana Pacers

After passing on all trade offers for Paul George, the Indiana Pacers and Larry Bird are in desperate need of a playoff spot. The superstar small forward has made it clear that he doesn’t intend to re-sign with the team if they aren’t contender-ready, which all starts with a playoff berth this season.

For a team that was considered the biggest threat to LeBron James and the Miami Heat only a few years ago, the Pacers have fallen off completely. Now, they’re just hoping to squeeze into the playoffs and go on a run.

Indiana is desperate because they need to prove to everyone that they aren’t completely out of the loop just yet. If Paul George leaves the Pacers are going to need free agency to try and replace him. Without some light, there aren’t going to be many names looking to head to Indiana.

This is a make or break year for the Pacers. With George and Myles Turner leading the way, this team needs to start producing if they want to protect their future. As the current seven seed in the Eastern Conference, they hold their playoff chances in their own hands, smething they’ll want to take advantage of during the last part of this season.

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