5 realistic contenders that can put a stop to the Boston Celtics winning Banner 19

It is very seldom a championship team retains its whole core rotation. Call it rarified air, but can the Celtics withstand these contending teams?

The NBA has a ton of talent right now, and the Boston Celtics can be at risk of being caught slipping against these 5 teams / Sam Hodde/GettyImages

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Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers, despite having one of the top offenses in NBA history and the best depth in the league, are quietly being written off as contenders.

They have managed to keep their core together and even upgraded their reserve big-man spot by adding James Wiseman. Bennedict Mathurin missed the entire playoffs and should be healthy come next season. He averaged 14.5 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 45% shooting overall, 37% from three, and 82% from the foul line.

Tyrese Haliburton is getting invaluable experience with Team USA this summer. Pascal Siakam will have his first full season with the Indiana Pacers. Andrew Nembhard is ascending into possibly a third star for the squad. Bennedict Mathurin is only 22 years old and has improved every year.

Indy deserves respect because they are doing everything right.

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