Dark Horse Title Contender
Errol – Toronto Raptors
If the Raptors can remain/get healthy, watch out for them.
At 29-14, the Raptors have achieved this record with their budding star Pascal Siakam missing a sizable portion of the season. But rises of players like Terence Davis and continuation of a solid playoff run from Fred VanVleet, the Raptors could easily climb the ladder in East standings and could see a trip in the East Finals.
Keep this in mind. Yes, Kawhi Leonard was a huge reason for helping stop Giannis during last year’s East Finals but they kept intact most of the players from that group as it was a collective effort to stop him. Watch for this group moving forward.
Paul – Boston Celtics
I think the Boston Celtics will be a dark horse contender this year. They are a good team but just like Ainge, they believe they are better than they are. They seem to have some really good players and Kemba has taken to Boston and is flourishing. But they just don’t seem to have that team that can upset a Bucks or even a ‘6ers team in a series. But when you have the type of players they have, tough, fight all the way, they might be able to make a run and win enough if they get hot. For this and if they give Tacko more time, I pick the Celtics as my Dark Horse Contender.
Lamarr – Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are currently 28-16 this season, and that is without star player Victor Oladipo. The Pacers have seven players averaging double-digit points per game. This includes three players averaging 17 points per game Domantas Sabonis, T.J Warren, and Malcolm Brogdon. This Pacer squad shares the ball well, head coach Nate McMillian is doing a great job.
With Oladipo due to come back on January 29th, the Pacers will get a crucial player back into their rotation. If Oladipo can jell with the team and get his legs under him quickly, this Pacers team can be dangerous in the playoffs.
Andrew – Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the team that absolutely nobody is talking about enough. They lack star power I get that, but they sit in a group of five teams within 2.5 games of the second seed in the Eastern Conference and play some of the best team ball in the sport. By-and-large the most impactful player has been Domantas Sabonis.
Domantas has blossomed into an all-star caliber player and double-double machine throughout the 2020 campaign, leading the Victor Oladipo-less Pacers to a successful first half. Speaking of Dipo, his return is scheduled for a January 29th home tilt with the Chicago Bulls. Obviously, the presence of Oladipo is massive. His leadership and defensive prowess will be a welcome sight for all Indy fans, even if he’s not immediately 100 percent healthy.
This squad plays with a ton of heart behind veteran coach Nate McMillian. Combine that with a ton of talent and the Indiana Pacers are “Legit Title Contenders”.
[socialpoll id=”2596834″]
Click the next page number to continue!
