ESPNrecently released its predictions for the Eastern Conference seedings for the 2024–25 season through its NBA staff, placing the Indiana Pacers in seventh place.

The Pacers are projected to finish with a score of 46-36, which puts them right between the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. Last season, Indiana reached the Eastern Conference Finals and finished sixth in the East.

The Blue and Gold needed all 82 games to secure their spot in the postseason, winning on the final day of the season to secure sixth place in the East – they were close to being in the play-in tournament but managed to avoid it before defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks in the playoffs.

ESPN predicts Indiana will win one fewer game next season. The Pacers are returning essentially the same team as in 2023-24, and a big reason they feel comfortable at running back is because they have a young roster. Many of the team’s key players are under 25 years old.

Because the team is younger, internal development alone could help Indiana win more next season. However, the Boston Celtics are expected to remain atop the East, and the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks have signed big-time talent in the offseason.

Add in the small but smart moves by the Milwaukee Bucks and the Magic, and it’s easy to see why the East’s top tier is ranked the way it is. Getting to 47 wins in the Eastern Conference will be harder in 2024-25 than it was last season.

The ESPN The Pacers are one win behind the Magic and one win ahead of the Heat according to the standings. The Blue and Gold are entering their first full season with Pascal Siakam, whom they acquired via trade in January, so they can reasonably expect to be an improved team next season.

There are eight teams in the East that have every right to expect to be among the top six teams in the conference, so every win will be important next season as teams battle for a place in the postseason. ESPNThe complete Eastern Conference table forecast can be found here.