Where They Stand
Indiana is built for the biggest rebound in the league. After a 19-63 season wrecked by injuries, the Pacers get All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton back from the Achilles tear that cost him all of 2025-26 — reports from camp say he is not expected to face many limitations, though Indiana will manage his early minutes. The frontcourt pairs Pascal Siakam with new starting center Ivica Zubac, acquired mid-season, while the bench adds Kelly Oubre Jr. on a two-year deal and Larry Nance Jr.
Rick Carlisle enters his sixth season with nine players addressing the media at media day on Sept. 28 before practice opened Sept. 29; assistants Jannero Pargo and Isaac Yacob were promoted to the bench over the summer. The preseason opens Oct. 7 in Ames, Iowa, against Minnesota — a homecoming for Haliburton — and the regular season starts Oct. 21 at New Orleans. Twelve games land on national television this season, including one in Mexico City.
The Squad
Tyrese Haliburton
Andrew Nembhard
Aaron Nesmith
Pascal Siakam
Ivica Zubac
T.J. McConnell
Obi Toppin
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Jarace Walker
Ben Sheppard
Jay Huff
Larry Nance Jr.
Upcoming Games
Team News
Tyrese Haliburton not expected to have many limitations; Pacers working Ivica Zubac into system
Haliburton spoke at Pacers media day on Sept. 28 and the team opens its preseason Oct. 7 in Ames, Iowa, against Minnesota, before the regular season tips Oct. 21 at New Orleans.
Pacers Notes: Staff Changes, Zubac, Johnson, Centers
Former guard Jannero Pargo and player-development coach Isaac Yacob join Rick Carlisle's bench, while veteran James Johnson attends camp as a locker-room mentor during training camp.
Indiana Pacers season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
USA Today's preview projects a 53-29 finish with +6600 title odds, banking on the Siakam-Zubac frontcourt and Haliburton's return from a full season away.