Eastern Conference Standings Predictions: Where Do the Pacers Stack Up?

It's finally time! Alex Golden and Mike Facci reveal their 2026-27 Eastern Conference standings predictions, ranking all 15 teams from top to bottom and explaining exactly why they have each team finishing where they do. The guys go team-by-team through a loaded East, discussing the contenders they believe can make a run at the No. 1 seed, which teams could surprise people, who might take a step backward and where the Indiana Pacers belong in the mix. How much will Indiana improve with Tyrese Haliburton back? Where do the Pacers stack up against the other contenders? Which teams are Alex and Facci higher or lower on than the consensus? And which spots were the toughest to predict? But the conversation doesn't end once the standings are set. After revealing their 1-15 rankings, Alex and Facci use their predicted standings to create the potential first-round playoff matchups. The guys go series-by-series before focusing on the Pacers' projected opponent and debating whether they like Indiana's draw. Would this be an ideal path for the Pacers? Which potential matchup would they rather avoid? And based on these standings, what could Indiana's path through the Eastern Conference look like? A fun episode discussing every team in the East, making predictions and looking ahead to what could be a fascinating playoff picture.