The Indiana Pacers have the 11th-best starting lineup in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season, according to a recent analysis. This ranking arrives as the team seeks to regain momentum after a tough stretch, most recently falling 121-133 to the Detroit Pistons on April 12.
Indiana will open the season with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The acquisition of Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers last season solidified the frontcourt. He, Haliburton and Siakam are expected to form the team's primary trio.
That trade for Zubac carried a significant price. The Pacers lost their 2026 first-round pick because of it. Indiana needed a top-four lottery position to retain the selection, but the Washington Wizards' jump pushed them to fifth. The pick conveyed to the Clippers, costing Indiana a chance at a top prospect.
Tyrese Haliburton is the engine. He averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game last season, earning All-NBA Third Team honors. His five-year, $244 million extension kicks in this season. Haliburton's health is vital. The team believes they could have won the 2025 NBA Finals had he not been injured in Game 7.
Pascal Siakam provided a major boost after his arrival. The forward put up 24.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last year, making his fourth All-Star team. His two-way versatility is a cornerstone for the Pacers' schemes.
The current context is challenging. Indiana's form over the last five games is 1 win and 4 losses (LLWLL). They have dropped their last two contests. Following the loss to Detroit, they fell 94-105 to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10.
Their lone recent victory was a dominant 123-94 road win over the Brooklyn Nets on April 9. Prior to that, they suffered defeats to the Minnesota Timberwolves (104-124), Cleveland Cavaliers (117-108) and Charlotte Hornets (129-108).
The ranking suggests a solid foundation, but recent results show there's work to do. Integrating Zubac fully and building chemistry around the Haliburton-Siakam partnership is the immediate task. The front office has bet heavily on this core by trading future draft capital.
They need Zubac to perform like an All-Star to justify the cost. The Pacers are banking on their top-end talent to lift them back into championship contention. Last season's 19 wins without Haliburton proved his value. With him, and this lineup, they aim to shock the league again.
