The Indiana Pacers are banking on Andrew Nembhard to maintain his raise production next to a returning Tyrese Haliburton, with new projections from RotoWire giving fans reason for optimism. This comes as the team looks to rebound from a difficult end to the prior season, having lost four straight including a 121-133 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026.
What are the projections for Andrew Nembhard?
RotoWire has released its statistical forecast for Nembhard's 2026-27 NBA season. They predict the 26-year-old guard will average 16.5 points, 6.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Producing near those numbers would be a massive boost for Indiana's backcourt.
These projections are encouraging because they suggest Nembhard can sustain the level he reached last season. With Haliburton sidelined by an Achilles tear suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals, Nembhard started 57 games. He put up career highs of 16.9 points and 7.7 assists per contest while shooting 44.2% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range.
How does this compare to his previous role?
The new role was a significant jump from his 2024-25 output. Playing primarily off the ball next to Haliburton that year, Nembhard averaged 10 points, five assists, and 3.3 rebounds. His three-point shooting also dipped to 29.1% that season.
Nembhard has shown steady improvement on both ends of the floor throughout his four-year career. He is widely considered a stronger defensive presence than Haliburton, adding a different dimension to their partnership. Both players have proven they can be high-level playmakers and scorers.
Why is this backcourt pairing so important for the Pacers?
Getting Haliburton back makes Indiana a more dangerous team instantly. If Nembhard can continue producing at his 2025-26 level alongside him, the Pacers' backcourt could rank among the NBA's best. Opposing defenses would struggle to contain two dynamic playmakers operating at such a high level simultaneously.
Nembhard is poised to be a major X-Factor for the Pacers this season. While no single player guarantees a deep playoff run, his two-way impact brings them close. A dynamic one-two punch with Haliburton gives Indiana a good shot at another extended postseason appearance. You can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What is the recent context for the team?
The Pacers' recent form highlights the need for this backcourt synergy. Their last five games resulted in one win and four losses, with the most recent result being that 121-133 loss to Detroit. Haliburton's return is expected to stabilize the lineup and improve results as they prepare for the new campaign.
That is not yet clear if Nembhard hits these projected numbers. But they represent exactly what the Pacers are hoping for as they aim to build on their recent playoff experience. The combination of Haliburton's elite passing and Nembhard's two-way growth could define Indiana's season.
