With Paul George out for the season due to his injury with the USA basketball team upgrades Cleveland Cavaliers to a near automatic bid in the NBA finals. Indiana can’t compete without their biggest weapon, but won’t be able to nosedive to achieve a better spot in the next draft due to the weak Eastern Conference. Even without George, Indiana will be a favorite to be in the playoffs. The rebuilt Miami Heat look like a dangerous third seed right now.

LeBron James’ decision to stay in the East looks even stronger now. Without the Pacers to fully challenge him, another championship becomes closer to a reality. The injury will likely strengthen the argument for free agents to join the Cavaliers for those wanting to join the frontrunners. The West will still provide a good challenge in the Finals, but the road to get their is brutal. LeBron can now likely take on less minutes to secure a playoff spot. Hopefully he has realized that rest is more important than home court advantage. The East can be defeated in a few mini-streaks, but LeBron must be sure to rest his legs for a big Finals push. If LeBron can win another Finals this year, then his path to surpassing Jordan’s ring total is clear. LeBron without a title this year will certainly send waves across the NBA questioning if LeBron can overtake Jordan. The Cavaliers are pushing for Kevin Love. The trade makes sense for short term gain for a championship, but LeBron must know the dangers of long term damage that he may cost the team if they overreach. The Cavaliers need to keep as much young talent and draft picks, or else LeBron might jump ship again in the near future for another title.

Before the injury, the path to NBA finals for the Eastern Conference ran through the Pacers. Now it is once again LeBron’s for the taking.