Who's Next for the Indiana Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers are a big question mark entering the 2026-27 season, having gone from Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2025 to a franchise-worst 19 wins in an injury-ravaged 2025-26 season. Last result: Indiana Pacers 94-105 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-04-10). Recent form (last 4): 1W-0D-3L (LWLL, most recent first).
What Happened?
NBA commentator Zach Lowe of The Ringer considers the Pacers an interesting case, saying, "The right spacing, pace, chemistry. The game just becomes a feel game for them. The Pacers found that gear (in 2025)." Lowe believes the Pacers' success depends on three players: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Ivica Zubac.
Why It Matters for Indiana Pacers
Haliburton missed the 2025-26 season after tearing an Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Will he return at full strength? Siakam is coming off a second straight All-Star season, averaging 24.0 points and 6.6 rebounds. However, he's 32 years old and a 10-year veteran. Is he due for a drop in production? Zubac, who came to the Pacers in a midseason trade, offers a stark contrast in style to previous big man Myles Turner. How will the more traditional post player adapt to the Pacers' free-flowing offense?
What Comes Next?
Lowe said, "I think there's going to be some growing pains. The ceiling, to me, is still really, really high." He's a believer in the Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard combo as role players. The Pacers have a lot to prove this season, but with the right chemistry and spacing, they could be contenders in the NBA Eastern Conference.
The Pacers' Path to Success
The Pacers' success will depend on the development of their young players and the continued growth of their veteran players. With a strong supporting cast and a healthy Haliburton, the Pacers could be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. But for now, they're a big question mark, and only time will tell if they can find their footing and become contenders.
