NBA

Indiana Pacers: What to Expect in the Team's 2026 Season

Indiana Pacers: What to Expect in the Team's 2026 Season

Not every team made sweeping changes during the NBA offseason.

Case in point, the Indiana Pacers didn't make a major splash this offseason.

But that's okay.

The biggest change for them, really, is that they got Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac back at full strength.

Haliburton missed the entire last season after suffering an Achilles tear.

It's huge that he's back.

Zubac is also expected to make a bigger impact after a season-ending injury cut his time with Indiana short following last year's trade.

A healthy Zubac gives the Pacers another strong presence inside and helps complete what should be one of the league's better starting lineups.

On paper, the Pacers should have one of the league's more complete starting groups.

The question is less about talent and more about how quickly everyone can get back into a rhythm after injuries changed the team's plans last season.

More sports news: Get Know the Spurs Breakout Candidate for 2026 The Pacers also added Kelly Oubre Jr.

in free agency, giving their bench another experienced piece.

Oubre fits the way Indiana likes to play.

His athleticism allows him to run in transition, and his defensive versatility gives the team another option when matchups get difficult.

More sports news: Wizards Have a Player Poised for a Breakout So, Indiana has built a reputation around playing fast and trusting a deep rotation.

Having more reliable options off the bench should help keep the team fresh over the course of a long season, especially if the goal is another serious playoff run.

The Pacers don't have a long list of changes to point to this offseason, but they don't really need one.

Their biggest hope is that the players who missed time can stay on the court.

A healthy Haliburton and Zubac could be the difference between a good team and one that belongs in the championship conversation.

For Indiana, the next step is simple: get everyone together and see how far this group can go.