The Indiana Pacers are returning from a remarkable journey to the NBA Finals last season, where they ultimately fell short to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As they approach the upcoming season, what should have been an atmosphere of celebration in Indiana has morphed into a grim forecast. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is set to miss the entire season, leaving the Pacers without their key offensive playmaker. Can Indiana capitalize on a relatively open Eastern Conference to pursue another deep playoff run, or will the team be compelled to tank and rebuild for the 2026-27 season?
Indiana Pacers Offseason Overview
The Indiana Pacers needed to offload contracts during the offseason to create room for new talent, resulting in a significantly weakened frontcourt. Myles Turner, a pivotal player during their playoff run, has departed for Milwaukee in free agency. A dominant force on defense, Turner’s ability to stretch the floor on offense made the Pacers formidable against various defensive strategies. Compounding their challenges, the Pacers also lost Thomas Bryant in free agency, which means Isaiah Jackson will step into the starting center role as the new season begins.
The new additions to the roster are not particularly exciting. James Huff and James Wiseman are both arriving in Indiana, but neither player has seen significant success in the NBA so far. While it’s possible the Pacers have uncovered a hidden gem, the more likely scenario involves a small-ball lineup struggling to contend with the larger big men in the Eastern Conference. The draft was also not an avenue for improvement, with second-round rookies being the extent of the Pacers’ new blood. 40th overall pick Kam Jones appears far from ready for NBA competition.
Indiana Pacers Season Expectations
Despite last year’s Finals appearance, expectations are low in Indiana, significantly impacted by Haliburton’s injury. He was the heartbeat of this team on both ends of the court, consistently delivering in clutch moments. His absence is sure to be felt deeply.
However, not all hope is lost for the Pacers. The roster still includes some key players who contributed to last year’s success. Pascal Siakam led the team with 20.2 PPG, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities. One player who must rise to the occasion in Haliburton’s stead is Benedict Mathurin. He proved to be a key contributor off the bench last season and is expected to log over 20 minutes of playtime each game. His reliable three-point shooting and tenacity on the boards will be essential.
While the Pacers may struggle offensively, their success in the previous season was largely rooted in defensive tenacity. Indiana consistently pressured opponents from the start of each game, a hallmark that should continue this season. Their bench was the top unit in the league last year, and if any team can manage to counterbalance the loss of their second and fourth leading scorers, it’s the Pacers. Even if players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are not widely recognized, their role in the team’s overall strategy is crucial.
Indiana Pacers Schedule Insight
The Pacers face a daunting schedule to kick off the new season. They open against the Thunder, who will be playing their second game after starting two days earlier. Following this, Indiana embarks on a challenging road trip facing the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, and Mavericks before returning home to host the Hawks, Bucks, and Warriors. Due to their geographical positioning, the Pacers will experience lengthy road stretches followed by extended home stands. This setup could allow the team to build momentum at home, but it might also pose challenges if they experience a slump.
Indiana Pacers Odds
Last season, the Pacers clinched the Eastern Conference title, but current odds place them at a staggering +3300 to repeat that feat. Their projected win total is a disappointing 37.5, with -160 odds indicating they are favored to miss the playoffs. While pessimism surrounds the team, they might look to the 2020 Raptors, who defied expectations after losing Kawhi Leonard. Just like that Toronto squad, the Pacers possess a deep bench and a proven scorer in Pascal Siakam. For the NBA Cup, the Pacers find themselves grouped with the Cavaliers, Hawks, Raptors, and Wizards, sporting +600 odds to come out on top.
2025-26 Indiana Pacers Season Predictions and Betting Tips
While I’m striving to identify positives for the Pacers, the reality is that this season is likely to be challenging in Indiana. The silver lining is that they should become competitive again when Haliburton returns in 2026-27. For now, I intend to bet against the Pacers every chance I get. My first wager will be for Indiana to finish with under 37.5 wins at -110 odds. With the Eastern Conference being wide open, this pick seems sharper than betting on the Pacers missing the playoffs at -160. After all, achieving 38 wins might be enough to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. The Pacers are set at +105 to reach the play-in, but I anticipate they will finish in the 11th or 12th seed in the Eastern Conference. With limited options available to fade the Pacers this season, I will prioritize the under on their win total at -110 to minimize our bankroll commitment for the next eight months.
Top Bet: Indiana Pacers Under 37.5 Wins -110
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