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New York Knicks: Eastern Conference Playoff Projections

By Maurice Moton

Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks win 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks win 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) controls the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) controls the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers: No. 4

The Pacers will finish with the second-best overall record, but based on playoff seeding they’ll drop to No. 4 behind the division leaders.

Indiana endured major changes during the offseason, acquiring forward Thaddeus Young in an exchange with the Brooklyn Nets and signing center Al Jefferson and Teague. Center Ian Mahinmi signed with the Washington Wizards, which allows Myles Turner to move into the starting lineup.

General manager Larry Bird replaced Frank Vogel, who coached the team for five seasons. Nate McMillan steps into the position after serving three years as an assistant on the Pacers’ bench. The head coaching change may cause a slow start due to a shift in philosophy, but McMillan knows the strengths and weaknesses of his roster.

The talent within the Pacers’ starting five should compensate for the early rough patches. Unfortunately, Indiana plays in the same division as Cleveland, which means no division title until the frontrunners crumble with dissension or injuries.

Next: No. 5

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