Previous Prediction: 38-44

Start paying attention to what’s happening with the Indiana Pacers if you’re not already. Things began turning for them just before Thanksgiving and have ramped up closer to hyperdrive following Andrew Nembhard’s return.

Indiana boasts a top-three offense and top-five net rating over the past month, a stretch that has not exactly featured a cupcake schedule. The defense, in particular, has delivered a couple of standout performances, and the Pacers are suddenly working with a rotation that, depending on how you feel about Ben Sheppard and Thomas Bryant, runs eight to nine trustworthy players deep.

Life may only get better from here. Aaron Nesmith has not played since Nov. 1 while dealing with an ankle injury. He will essentially count as a midseason acquisition when he finally returns. If you buy into the steady rise of Jarace Walker, Indiana just may finish the year as one of the East’s deepest teams.