Boston Celtics: 5 teams in the way of a 2018-19 NBA Finals berth

Boston Celtics: 5 teams road blocking a 2018-19 NBA Finals berth

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: A t-shirt is seen on a seat prior to Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Indiana Pacers

Don’t sleep on the Indiana Pacers.

Led by Victor Oladipo, the Pacers took LeBron James and the Cavaliers to the brink of elimination in the second round.

With up-and-coming players like power forward Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis along with the addition of free agent guard Tyreke Evans, Indiana has a nice mixture of young players and veterans to compete in the Eastern Conference.

How do they stack up against the Boston Celtics?

Oladipo is a tough matchup for any backcourt player in the league and has given the Celtics fits in past matchups. Turner has also proved to be a tough matchup. His athleticism around the rim has hurt Boston at times.

Beyond that, the Indiana Pacers are a team with a lot of confidence following their performance against the Cavs in the playoffs. If they get quality minutes out of players like Thaddeus Young, Doug McDermott, Evans and Bojan Bogadnovic, the Pacers can make some noise in the East.

It could be enough to keep the Boston Celtics alert throughout the regular season and certainly if the two teams meet in the playoffs.

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