The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season amid a whirlwind of developments surrounding player injuries, roster changes, and broadcast milestones. As the team prepares to kick off its preseason, several key issues and updates are shaping their outlook.
Preseason Kickoff and Roster Adjustments
The Pacers are set to begin their preseason with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 7, 2025. This game will be critical for assessing the team’s new dynamics, especially given the absence of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined for the entire season following an Achilles injury. The Pacers are also dealing with the loss of Myles Turner, putting added pressure on the remaining roster to step up.
Newly acquired player Jay Huff, expected to play a significant role, will be under scrutiny to see how he adjusts to his expanded responsibilities. His performance will be essential in addressing the Pacers' glaring need for three-point shooting, a challenge that has been highlighted by analysts as a major concern for the team's competitive viability.
Broadcast Milestone
This season marks a notable milestone for the Pacers' broadcast crew, as Chris Denari and Quinn Buckner enter their 20th season together. Their partnership has become a familiar presence for Pacers fans, and the upcoming season will be broadcasted across various platforms, including FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, which is celebrating its 30th year of airing Pacers games.
Injury Updates and Roster Depth
Injuries continue to affect the Pacers' roster depth, with recent reports confirming that rookie Kam Jones will miss significant time due to injury. This situation puts additional pressure on the team to find reliable contributors at the guard position. The Pacers have signed Delon Wright and are also evaluating other players to fill the void left by Haliburton's absence. The competition for these roles will be fierce, as the team looks to establish a solid foundation heading into the regular season.
Conclusion
As the Indiana Pacers embark on their preseason journey, they face a mix of challenges and opportunities. The health of their key players and the effectiveness of their new acquisitions will be pivotal in determining their success this season. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this tumultuous period and whether they can rise to the occasion amidst adversity.
TL;DR
- The Indiana Pacers start their preseason against the Timberwolves on October 7, 2025.
- Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner will miss the season due to injuries, impacting team dynamics.
- Jay Huff is expected to take on a larger role, especially in providing three-point shooting.
- Chris Denari and Quinn Buckner celebrate their 20th season together as the Pacers' broadcast duo.