Fansided

5 lingering injuries that could impact the NBA playoffs

By Ian Levy

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers waits for a free throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers waits for a free throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 06, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2020 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2020 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

4. Victor Oladipo and Jeremy Lamb, Indiana Pacers

Victor Oladipo missed the majority of the season rehabbing from a torn quad tendon and just a handful of games after he returned, the Pacers lost Lamb for the rest of the season to a serious knee injury. Lamb had been one of Indiana’s most reliable secondary creators and reliable outside shooters, averaging 12.5 points per game and hitting 38.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s. Oladipo was struggling in his return and back and knee injuries have had him in and out of the lineup. And just when it looks like things couldn’t get any worse, Malcolm Brogdon left Wednesday night’s game with a hip injury and did not return.

The Pacers are just 7-8 with negative point differential since Oladipo made his season debut and currently find themselves tied with the 76ers for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. It would take an epic collapse for them to miss the playoffs but at one point they looked like they might be hosting a first-round series. Now they could be missing out on a matchup with the 76ers or Heat and staring at Boston or Toronto. The Pacers probably weren’t making a run to the Finals this season but their slide and depleted rotation probably has the top of the East breathing a little easier.

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