The Indiana Pacers are positioned 16th in Bleacher Report's updated NBA power rankings following a busy league-wide free agency period. This ranking arrives as the team's recent form shows struggles, including a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026, and a 1-4 record in their last five games.
What is the reasoning behind the Pacers' ranking?
Bleacher Report directly linked the Pacers' middling power ranking to a significant recent setback. "The Indiana Pacers losing their 2026 first-round pick was a massive blow," the outlet wrote. The team acquired center Ivica Zubac last season, but the cost was steep. Indiana needed that pick to land in the top four of the draft to retain it, but they fell to the fifth spot after the Washington Wizards moved up in the lottery.
That pick, which went to the Los Angeles Clippers, could have been used on a top prospect like AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer. Instead, the Pacers must now rely on Zubac to perform at an All-Star level. The team's free agency additions of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Larry Nance Jr. were seen as solid but not enough to fully offset that draft capital loss. You can track the team's roster moves on our [squad](/squad) page.
How important is Tyrese Haliburton's health?
The entire Pacers' outlook hinges on the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton. He tore his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, a series where Indiana fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His absence last season was devastating. The Pacers won only 19 games without their floor general.
Haliburton's 2024-25 campaign was incredible. He averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, earning All-NBA Third Team honors. He was the engine for a team that defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks to reach the Finals. Bleacher Report stated that Indiana fans must hope his return, alongside better health from the rotation, lifts the team back to that elite level.
What is the expected lineup and path forward?
Indiana is widely expected to start Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac next season. That core has proven it can compete at the highest level, making a run to the 2025 Finals. The recent losing streak, including four consecutive losses, highlights how fragile their success is without full health.
All signs point toward the Pacers aiming for a playoff return. The combination of Haliburton and Siakam is one of the most potent in the Eastern Conference. The team's defense and interior presence will rely heavily on Zubac's performance. The front office will be watching closely, as the Zubac trade also involved future picks, including a 2029 first-rounder and either a 2026 pick (which conveyed) or an unprotected 2031 first-round pick.
The basketball world is eager to see Haliburton back on the court. His playmaking and scoring transform Indiana's offensive ceiling. For the Pacers to climb from 16th in the power rankings, they need him at his best and their new additions to mesh quickly. The upcoming schedule will be a major test, and you can follow their progress in our [standings](/standings).
