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Are the Indiana Pacers under pressure this season, or do they have nothing to lose?
They are a big question mark entering the 2026-27 season, having gone from Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2025 to a franchise-worst 19 wins in an injury-ravaged 2025-26 season.
NBA commentator Zach Lowe of The Ringer — during a podcast episode highlighting the players under the most pressure entering the upcoming season — said he believes the Pacers pose an interesting case.
"The right spacing, pace, chemistry. The game just becomes a feel game for them. The Pacers found that gear (in 2025)," he said. "Can they find it again?"
Lowe said that largely depends on three players: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac, whom he considers "honorable mention" players under pressure.
"I think there's going to be some growing pains. The ceiling, to me, is still really, really high," Lowe said. "I'm a believer in the (Aaron) Nesmith, (Andrew) Nembhard combo as role players."
NBA East Power Rankings: Where do the Pacers land in the rebuilt conference?
Lowe said he has concerns about the Indiana bench. The Pacers added Kelly Oubre in free agency, and Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, T.J. McConnell, Jay Huff and Ben Sheppard remain.
"I can see the bench being not as tough as they were in their title run, and I can see them getting off to a slow start as they figure it out," he said.
The Pacers' hopes will be affected by what appears to be an improved Eastern Conference: The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA championship; the Philadelphia 76ers added Jaylen Brown and LeBron James; the Miami Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off 50-win-plus seasons.
"I am fascinated by (the Pacers)," co-host Kirk Goldsberry said. "I think we forgot how good they were.
"I think we'd be doing a disservice to their fans not to mention them as a team to win the whole Eastern Conference."
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Zach Lowe of The Ringer considers the Indiana Pacers contenders in the NBA Eastern Conference
Continue reading...
They are a big question mark entering the 2026-27 season, having gone from Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2025 to a franchise-worst 19 wins in an injury-ravaged 2025-26 season.
NBA commentator Zach Lowe of The Ringer — during a podcast episode highlighting the players under the most pressure entering the upcoming season — said he believes the Pacers pose an interesting case.
"The right spacing, pace, chemistry. The game just becomes a feel game for them. The Pacers found that gear (in 2025)," he said. "Can they find it again?"
Lowe said that largely depends on three players: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac, whom he considers "honorable mention" players under pressure.
- Haliburton missed the 2025-26 season after tearing an Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Will he return at full strength?
- Siakam is coming off a second straight All-Star season, averaging 24.0 points and 6.6 rebounds. However, he's 32 years old and a 10-year veteran. Is he due for a drop in production?
- Zubac, who came to the Pacers in a midseason trade, offers a stark contrast in style to previous big man Myles Turner. How will the more traditional post player adapt to the Pacers' free-flowing offense?
"I think there's going to be some growing pains. The ceiling, to me, is still really, really high," Lowe said. "I'm a believer in the (Aaron) Nesmith, (Andrew) Nembhard combo as role players."
NBA East Power Rankings: Where do the Pacers land in the rebuilt conference?
Lowe said he has concerns about the Indiana bench. The Pacers added Kelly Oubre in free agency, and Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, T.J. McConnell, Jay Huff and Ben Sheppard remain.
"I can see the bench being not as tough as they were in their title run, and I can see them getting off to a slow start as they figure it out," he said.
The Pacers' hopes will be affected by what appears to be an improved Eastern Conference: The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA championship; the Philadelphia 76ers added Jaylen Brown and LeBron James; the Miami Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off 50-win-plus seasons.
"I am fascinated by (the Pacers)," co-host Kirk Goldsberry said. "I think we forgot how good they were.
"I think we'd be doing a disservice to their fans not to mention them as a team to win the whole Eastern Conference."
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Zach Lowe of The Ringer considers the Indiana Pacers contenders in the NBA Eastern Conference
Continue reading...
