It's not a real surprise the Indiana Pacers aren't expected to contend for an NBA Championship in 2015-16. Such a scenario unfolding would require crippling injury scenarios or crippling management decisions from at least five of the top teams in the East, which would then result in the Pacers getting to square off against one of at least five legitimate title contenders from the Western Conference.
It will be easier for Indiana to miss the playoffs than win the NBA Championship, but that doesn't have to limit your blind fandom from putting money down on the Indiana Pacers to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy next June.