The Indiana Pacers are preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season with a clear goal: reestablish themselves as a top team in the Eastern Conference. Their recent form, including a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026, highlights the need for improvement. To make a serious push, every player must perform at their peak. So, who are the biggest X-factors for the Pacers this coming year? Here are the five names that will define their campaign.
Jarace Walker's development took a significant step forward last season. With Bennedict Mathurin no longer on the roster, Walker has a chance to fill that offensive void. The forward put up averages of 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He also shot a respectable 37.4 percent from three-point range. If Walker continues to improve his scoring and defense, the Pacers could have a foundational piece for their future.
Andrew Nembhard faces a different challenge. Tyrese Haliburton's return will naturally reduce Nembhard's ball-handling duties. The team needs him to adapt to a secondary role without losing his confidence. Nembhard might be relied upon heavily early as Haliburton eases back into full rhythm. His ability to provide steady playmaking and defense off the bench is a major key for Indiana's backcourt depth.
Ben Sheppard proved he can be a reliable shooter last year, hitting 36 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. Consistent shooting is his ticket to regular minutes. Indiana may need his scoring spark more than anticipated, especially during stretches where the offense stalls. Sheppard can help the Pacers maintain their identity as a fast-paced, entertaining team when he's on the floor.
Ivica Zubac is preparing for his first full season with the Pacers after a mid-season trade last year. He only appeared in five games for Indiana, so there's limited recent film to analyze. Zubac's primary task is replacing the production of Myles Turner. He isn't the same floor-spacing threat, but he is a stronger rebounder and should benefit from easy looks created by Haliburton and others.
Tyrese Haliburton is the most obvious X-factor for this team. The star guard is returning from a long injury recovery after being hurt in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His health and form are the single biggest variables for Indiana's ceiling. If Haliburton can return to his All-NBA level, the Pacers instantly become a dangerous playoff team. His playmaking raise everyone around him and dictates the team's offensive tempo.
The Pacers' recent results show the mountain they must climb. After a 123-94 win over the Brooklyn Nets on April 9, they dropped their final two games of that stretch. Losses to the Philadelphia 76ers (105-94 on April 10) and Detroit Pistons capped a tough finish. Their form over the last five games was 1 win and 4 losses. Turning that around requires contributions from all five of these key players. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as the new season approaches.
