The Pacers are 20-10, a pace that would bring 54 victories over the course of the season. They have won seven consecutive games to move into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference, two games back of Toronto. Victor Oladipo has returned, recovered from an injury and taking a revised approach to the offense that brings out the best in his teammates.
So, is it time for this rising team to start broaching the C-word? Is it safe to talk division championship? Conference championship? The whole deal?
At this point, an overly humble attitude would sound disingenuous.