ESPN NBA experts have predicted the Indiana Pacers will take the biggest leap forward of any team in the upcoming season. This optimism follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign where the Pacers struggled mightily without their star point guard, finishing with the league's second-worst record at 19 wins. 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, underscores the need for a turnaround.
Why are the Pacers expected to improve so much?
The primary reason is the expected full-time return of Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers had the third-worst offense in the NBA last season when he was sidelined. Haliburton, who was third in the league in assists in 2024-25, provides elite playmaking and outside shooting the team desperately missed. He has stated he feels much better from his Achilles injury now. Adding Ivica Zubac in a trade gives Indiana a reliable starting center, solving a major roster hole after they used five different players at the position last year.
Head coach Rick Carlisle's tactics are also a factor. He has been voted the coach most likely to win Coach of the Year. Combining his system with a healthy roster featuring most of the players from their recent Finals run creates a strong foundation. The team believes this core, minus Bennedict Mathurin, can compete at a high level again.
What does this mean for the Eastern Conference?
Indiana expects to be a real contender in the East. With Haliburton back and Zubac anchoring the paint, they feel they can make another deep playoff run. To surpass other improving teams like the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers, Haliburton will need to perform at an All-NBA level. The Pacers only signed two free agents, with Kelly Oubre projected as a versatile wing off the bench.
The team's pace was interesting last year. They actually played faster without Haliburton and still finished seventh in the league in that category. Integrating his control with that speed could create a potent offensive attack. You can track their progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page throughout the season.
What are the remaining challenges?
Overcoming the recent poor form is an immediate mental hurdle. Losing four consecutive games to end the previous season, including that defeat to Detroit, leaves a bad taste. The roster, while improved, still lacks proven depth behind the core starters. Relying heavily on Haliburton's health is a risk, though his recovery appears positive.
Their defensive consistency with Zubac will be tested against the conference's elite big men. The ESPN vote shows external belief, but internal execution on the court is what matters. The Pacers must prove they can close games better than they did during their late-season slide. Monitoring team health and performance stats will be key, which fans can do via our [injuries](/injuries) and [stats](/stats) hubs.
