5 NBA teams that have exceeded expectations so far in the 2019-20 season

#4 Indiana Pacers - Record: 30-17

The Indiana Pacers have managed to cope without the injured Victor Oladipo

The Indiana Pacers have been among the most consistent teams over the past four seasons, although with Victor Oladipo sidelined with a long-term injury, there were some concerns that they would struggle to compete for a playoff spot. However, every member of a deep roster has stepped up, and the Pacers' team-first approach has resulted in a number of notable wins.

Averaging career highs in points and rebounds, the Domantas Sabonis looks like a future All-Star, while Malcolm Brogdon is proving to be one of the best signings of the season. With Oladipo set to return at some point in the next week, the Pacers are in surprisingly great shape, and Nate McMillan will be confident that his team can grab a top-four seed.

---

#3 Dallas Mavericks - Record: 28-17

Luka Doncic is firmly in the race to be named MVP

Luka Doncic was excellent during his Rookie of the Year winning campaign, although the 20-year-old has taken a historic jump in his Sophomore year. Averaging just shy of a triple-double, Doncic has quickly established himself as one of the NBA's most see acts, and his performances have been enough to drag the Mavericks to a 28-17 record.

The Mavs are just five victories shy of their total win tally for the 2018-19 season, and while many experts tipped them to miss out on the playoffs, their participation already looks assured. Additionally, if Kristaps Porzingis can rediscover form over the next three months - Dallas will be a huge threat in the postseason.