The Indiana Pacers will open their 2026-27 NBA regular season on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 21. This follows a preseason slate beginning October 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team looks to move past a difficult end to the previous campaign highlighted by a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12.
Their recent form shows just one win in their last five outings, a sequence of LLWLL. That stretch included losses to the Philadelphia 76ers (94-105 on April 10) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (104-124 on April 7). The lone bright spot was a convincing 123-94 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on April 9. The return of star guard Tyrese Haliburton is the central narrative for Indiana's fresh start.
The Pacers' new campaign kicks off with preseason action on October 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They will play three additional exhibition games versus the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Milwaukee Bucks.
The real action starts on October 21 when Indiana travels to face the New Orleans Pelicans for the regular season opener. Fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will get their first look at the revamped squad on October 23 for the home opener against the Dallas Mavericks. That game is already generating significant buzz due to Haliburton's anticipated return to the lineup.
Haliburton missed the entire previous season after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Finals. His absence was profoundly felt. The Pacers struggled to a 19-win season and missed the playoffs completely.
He is the engine of the offense, a premier playmaker who makes everyone around him better. Without him, the team's offensive rating plummeted and they lacked a closer in tight games. Getting their leader back on the floor transforms their ceiling from a lottery team to a potential playoff contender. Management has built a deeper roster to support him, adding shooting and defensive versatility.
A major addition from last season is center Ivica Zubac, acquired at the trade deadline. Zubac only appeared in five games for Indiana after coming over from the Los Angeles Clippers, but he is viewed as the team's center of the future. He is a strong rebounder and efficient finisher around the rim.
Playing in pick-and-roll actions with Haliburton should create easy scoring opportunities for Zubac, potentially boosting his scoring average. The summer signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. Adds more wing depth, providing needed perimeter defense and another scoring option. Alongside co-star Pascal Siakam, this gives Indiana a core that can compete in the Eastern Conference.
The stated goal within the organization is clear: compete for a championship. After the disappointment of last season, anything less will be considered a failure. The team is expected to play with a chip on its shoulder.
Haliburton may need time to ramp up to full speed, so a slower start is possible. But the combination of his return, Zubac's interior presence, and the added depth has created real optimism. The Eastern Conference is open, and Indiana believes its mix of talent can propel them back into the postseason picture. The 2026-27 schedule presents that opportunity, starting with that October 21 date in New Orleans.
