The Indiana Pacers enter the 2026-27 NBA season under immense pressure to reclaim their status as Eastern Conference contenders after a disastrous 19-win campaign. Their recent form, including a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026, and a 1W-4L record in their last five games, highlights the urgency for a turnaround. NBA analyst Zach Lowe identifies three players carrying the heaviest burden: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and new starting center Ivica Zubac.
Why is there so much pressure on the Pacers' core?
Zach Lowe explained the situation on his podcast, The Zach Lowe Show. He questioned if the team can rediscover its Finals form after Haliburton's year-long absence and with a new center in the lineup. "Can you just find it again after taking a year off and importing a new center, and Pascal Siakam’s a year older?" Lowe asked. He noted that Vegas oddsmakers are skeptical about their regular-season prospects. The core of the team that reached the 2025 NBA Finals remains, but integrating Zubac is the major change. Developing pick-and-roll chemistry between Haliburton and Zubac will be essential for offensive success. Last season, without Haliburton, the Pacers' offense ranked third-worst in the league.
How can the Pacers improve with Haliburton back?
Tyrese Haliburton's return from a torn Achilles is the single biggest boost for Indiana. His playmaking and scoring should immediately elevate an offense that struggled badly. Even without him last season, the team ranked seventh in pace. With Haliburton running the show again, they are expected to return to a top-five pace, which fueled their deep playoff run. Pascal Siakam remains an All-Star caliber forward, providing a reliable scoring option. Defensively, Zubac's presence in the paint should help solidify a unit that needs improvement. The team believes these pieces can mesh quickly, even if they start slowly as they did in their Finals year.
What are the Pacers' championship expectations?
Despite a quiet offseason and improvements by other East teams, the Pacers' front office believes this group can win a title. Trading for Ivica Zubac was a clear signal of their win-now mentality. They are fully committed to this core for the next several seasons. The organization is banking on health and improved chemistry to propel them back to the top of the conference. You can track their progress and upcoming challenges on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Their up-tempo style, when executed perfectly, has proven it can take the league by storm. Figuring out the new dynamic with Zubac as the roll man, instead of a pick-and-pop threat, is the primary tactical challenge for the coaching staff.
Can the Pacers overcome their recent struggles?
The recent results are concerning. Ending last season on a four-game losing streak, including that defeat to Detroit, is not the momentum they wanted. However, the team has shown resilience before, rallying from a slow start to make the Finals in 2025. The pressure is squarely on the trio highlighted by Lowe to lead that charge again. Haliburton must prove he's back to his All-NBA level. Siakam needs to maintain his elite two-way play. And Zubac has to anchor the defense while fitting seamlessly into the offensive system. If all three meet those challenges, Indiana remains one of the most intriguing and dangerous teams in the East.
