The Indiana Pacers are starting to ramp things back up with the 2019-20 NBA season set to resume in Orlando on July 30th. While there is still some opposition to the league resuming play, most notably from Kyrie Irving and Dwight Howard, it seems unlikely that the league will shut the return to play down. Finishing the season up in October and starting the new league year in December is the current plan and will likely continue forward.

Assuming it does continue forward, the Pacers are going to be a team to watch in the Eastern Conference. Currently, they are fifth in the East with a 39-26 record. Their seeding remains to be seen due to the eight regular season games they will play in Orlando, but they absolutely have reason to be excited to get the season started again.

Victor Oladipo was slowly returning to form before the season was suspended. He is surrounded by a lot more talent than in previous years with Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren, Myles Turner, and Domantas Sabonis joining him in the starting lineup.

Indiana was still struggling with chemistry following Oladipo's return, but were starting to come around. Fans can only hope that they can pick up where they left off. If they can, the Pacers are going to be a tough out in a seven-game playoff series.

While those are the main names that come to mind when talking about the Pacers, there are some key role players who have become very important pieces. Let's take a look at the two major X-Factors who must step up for Indiana when the season resumes.

Aaron Holiday

Aaron Holiday, Pacers

Let's start with Aaron Holiday, who is the primary backup combo guard for the Pacers. He can play either point guard or shooting guard and has grown a lot throughout his second NBA season.

Prior to the league suspension, Holiday was averaging 9.4 points per game to go along with 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds. He shot 40.7 percent from the floor and knocked down 39.4 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers may not seem huge, but he is a key part of the Pacers' second unit.

Indiana depends heavily on their bench and has received some inconsistent moments. If they want to compete in the playoffs, they need their second unit to play at a high level. Holiday is going to be a big part of that production.

Article Continues Below
More Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrate after the win against the Brooklyn Nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers’ Myles Turner gives Pascal Siakam his flowers before NBA FinalsJackson Stone ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the fourth quarter during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Why Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith is ready for SGA after Jalen Brunson battleZachary Howell ·
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) is interviewed by Ernie Johnson after receiving the Larry Bird MVP Trophy game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
How Pascal Siakam’s 6-year journey paved road to Pacers’ NBA FinalsJulian Ojeda ·
John Haliburton, father of Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), reacts from an suite prior to game four of the eastern conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton calls out ‘ridiculous commentary’ surrounding his dadJackson Stone ·
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum.
Pacers HC Rick Carlisle thought Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau firing was ‘fake AI’Benedetto Vitale ·
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) reaches for the rebound against Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) and center Tony Bradley (13) in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Surprise Pacers’ ECF contributor gives NBA Finals injury updateMalik Brown ·

If he can shoot the ball consistent from beyond the arc, the Pacers are going to be a much more dangerous team. Holiday may not be hyped up a lot, but Indiana certainly views him as a key piece.

Goga Bitadze

Goga Bitadze, Pacers
ClutchPoints

The Pacers are also going to be relying heavily on rookie big man Goga Bitadze. Many fans haven't seen him play much, but Indiana needs him to play a solid role behind Sabonis and Turner.

Bitadze has played in 49 games this season, including two starts. He averaged just 3.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. In addition to those numbers, Bitadze shot 47.3 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from the three-point line.

There is no question that Bitadze has a lot of long-term potential. Standing in at 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds, Bitadze has a solid shot, can defend the rim, and has good ability as a passer as well. Unfortunately, as a rookie, Bitadze has struggled mightily with consistency in every aspect of the game.

The break in play may actually help Bitadze a bit. He will be asked to play 10-15 minutes per game more than likely, unless the Pacers choose to give T.J. Leaf a bigger role. Nate McMillan and Kevin Pritchard love Bitadze's potential, but they need him to step up big-time when the league returns to action.