Indiana Pacers 2026-2027 guide

The Indiana Pacers are one of the best examples of long-term team building in the NBA over the past five years: even without very high Draft picks, they have managed to build a young, well-integrated core capable of reaching Game 7 of the 2025 Finals.

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Key players

The full-time return of Tyrese Haliburton (G, 14.5 cr.) is enough on its own to justify a complete change in outlook for the starting five: his ability to create for himself and his teammates is among the NBA’s best, enough to earn him a comfortable double-double average in the two seasons before his injury.

Ivica Zubac (C, 12.5 cr.) looks like the perfect fit next to him: the maturity he reached over the past few years with the Clippers allowed him to refine his game as a modern big man. Considering the peak he reached during his months playing alongside James Harden, it is reasonable to expect top-center production with Hali as well. And if we also consider the bargain price at which Indiana acquired him because of the NBA sanctions against the Clippers, the move was simply masterful.

The other major veteran expected to lead the roster is Pascal Siakam (F, 12.5 cr.): even though he never quite became one of the league’s very best players as many hoped after Toronto’s 2019 championship, the Cameroonian remains a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. He is unlikely to replicate the 24 points per game he averaged last season, but his long-term reliability will still be enough to make him a credible Dunkest option.

Potential surprises

The efficiency achieved by Aaron Nesmith (F, 7.5 cr.) has few equals across the league: over the past three seasons, he has recorded the most games, 46, in which he shot at least 50% from the field, 40% from three and 90% from the free-throw line. The Pacers’ expected competitive boost next season can only help him: at a high level, players like him make a difference.

Players to avoid

Haliburton’s return will take away from Andrew Nembhard (G, 10.0 cr.) the near-total control of possessions that allowed him to average 16.9 points and 7.7 assists last season. A lot of his future in Indianapolis will depend on this season, so he will need to quickly readjust to a less central role.

Projected starting five

PG: Tyrese Haliburton (Guard, 14.5 Credits)

SG: Andrew Nembhard (Guard, 10.0 Credits)

SF: Aaron Nesmith (Forward, 7.5 Credits)

PF: Pascal Siakam (Forward, 12.5 Credits)

C: Ivica Zubac (Center, 12.5 Credits)

Power Ranking

Deep, organized and already accustomed to competing near the top: these Pacers have everything they need to immediately return to the part of the standings where they belong. If Haliburton can avoid setbacks, they may even have the luxury of cruising somewhat under the radar during the Regular Season; in addition, their Draft capital for the next few years is substantial and should allow them to make in-season adjustments if needed.

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