The Indiana Pacers are banking on Tyrese Haliburton's return to lift them from a difficult 19-63 season back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture for 2026-27. Their recent form, including a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026, highlights the challenge ahead as they finished last season with a 1-4 record in their final five games.
Tyrese Haliburton's comeback is the single biggest addition. The two-time All-Star guard missed all of last season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His presence alone transformed the Pacers into a contender in 2024 and 2025.
Center Ivica Zubac, acquired at last season's trade deadline, will finally pair with Haliburton. He's expected to provide a different style than Myles Turner, with better scoring and rebounding numbers. The team also added veterans Kelly Oubre Jr. And Larry Nance Jr. On short-term deals to bolster the bench.
President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard faced criticism for the Zubac trade because it cost Indiana the No. 5 pick in the draft. But the move addressed a clear need for a reliable center during Haliburton's absence.
Indiana's core is experienced and ready to compete. Pascal Siakam returns alongside Haliburton, forming a potent one-two punch. The team did not lose any major pieces in free agency, with center Micah Potter being the only notable subtraction.
Zach Kram gave the Pacers a B- grade for their offseason, noting their early activity with the Zubac trade and subsequent focus on bench depth. Extension talks for Haliburton and Siakam are a future consideration, but not urgent as both are under contract for multiple more years.
The roster has the pieces for what analyst Ben Golliver called a "bungee jump season." After plummeting from 50 wins and a Finals appearance in 2025 to just 19 wins last year, the Pacers are built to spring back up the standings. Their recent results, like the 94-105 loss to Philadelphia on April 10, 2026, show there's work to do, but the talent is there.
Haliburton's health and effectiveness are the primary concerns. Returning from an Achilles injury after 16 months is a major test. The Pacers will need him to regain his All-NBA form to drive their offense and raise his teammates.
Integrating Zubac into the starting lineup with Haliburton is another important task. Their pick-and-roll chemistry will be vital for offensive efficiency. The new bench pieces, Oubre and Nance, must provide consistent energy and defense.
The Eastern Conference has gotten stronger, making the playoff race tougher. Indiana's defense, which struggled during last season's slide, must improve significantly.
The Pacers have positioned themselves for a rebound. They have their star back, a upgraded center, and added depth. The expectation in Indianapolis is clear: a return to the postseason. The final games of last season, including a 123-94 win over Brooklyn on April 9, 2026, showed flashes of that potential, but consistency will be the real measure of success.
