Indiana native fans filled Gainbridge Fieldhouse with anticipation on Oct. 27 as Tyrese Haliburton made his first home appearance since tearing his Achilles in June 2025. The crowd’s roar quickly turned to boos when the Pacers fell behind early against the Dallas Mavericks, who posted a 44‑point first quarter and built a 37‑point halftime lead.
Early results highlight growing pains
Despite a brief rally in the second half after Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg left with a shoulder injury, the Pacers could not close the 16‑point final gap. Coach Rick Carlisle praised the arena’s atmosphere, noting, “It was one of the best crowds I’ve ever seen here, but a great crowd doesn’t guarantee you anything if you don’t compete the way you need to compete.” Haliburton echoed the sentiment, reminding fans that “the NBA is not all fairytales, sunshine, and rainbows.”
Roster continuity and new questions
Indiana’s core remains largely intact from the 2025 Finals run, yet the Eastern Conference has become more competitive. The Pacers entered the season with a 10‑15 start in 2024‑25 before finding chemistry that carried them to the Finals, so expectations are tempered by the reality of a stronger league.
The most visible change is at center. The Pacers opted not to re‑sign Myles Turner, trading for Ivica Zubac at the previous season’s deadline at the cost of two first‑round picks, one of which ultimately conveyed to the Clippers. Zubac’s skill set differs markedly from Turner’s: he does not shoot from distance, prefers rolling to the rim, and adds a more physical, “smash‑mouth” presence in the paint.
Offensive adjustments
Turner averaged 8.7 three‑point attempts per 100 possessions last season; Zubac has not attempted a three‑pointer in three years. This shift reduces the Pacers’ spacing but introduces a stronger interior scoring option. The team will need to adapt its offensive flow to accommodate Zubac’s post‑up and roll tendencies.
Defensive integration
Defensively, Zubac’s experience in a deeper drop scheme with the Clippers may require a learning curve. He excels at protecting the paint, but the Pacers currently lack the “point‑of‑attack” defenders needed to run a deep drop effectively. Coach Carlisle will have to experiment with rotations and schemes as the season progresses.
Zubac also suffered an ankle sprain against Brooklyn, raising concerns about his short‑term availability. The Pacers will likely rotate him with Jay Huff and other big men while they fine‑tune their interior defense.
Health updates and depth chart
Several key pieces remain sidelined: T.J. McConnell is still recovering from a hamstring strain, Ben Sheppard is out with a meniscus tear, and rookie Jalen Slawson’s minutes will be limited by his two‑way contract. Veteran forward Kelly Oubre, the only notable free‑agent addition this summer, is expected to contribute as a seventh‑man option.
Andrew Nembhard and newcomer Aaron Nesmith (returning from a preseason hamstring issue) are expected to bolster the perimeter defense that helped Indiana reach the 2025 Finals. Their performance will be critical as the Pacers sit at No. 19 in defensive efficiency after three games—a respectable start given the small sample size.
Looking ahead
With Haliburton back, Indiana can count on a top‑five offense, but the defensive side remains the most pressing concern. The coaching staff will continue to evaluate rotations, especially the roles of Jarace Walker, Quenton Jackson, and Jay Huff, to develop a reliable eight‑ or nine‑man rotation for a playoff push.
While some analysts projected the Pacers as a legitimate Finals contender, others warned that defensive questions could limit their ceiling against Eastern powerhouses such as the Knicks, Celtics, and Raptors. For now, the team sits around the No. 8 spot in early Eastern Conference projections, a realistic placement as they work through early‑season adjustments.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
