After losing two of their best players ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Indiana Pacers have a challenging season ahead of them.
The Indiana Pacers stunned the world when they reached the 2025 NBA Finals. But Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tear signaled the end of their good fortunes.
Things got even worse for them in the offseason, as Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving the Pacers for their biggest rivals.
Without two of their best players, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will have a lot of work on his hands during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Carlisle has already confirmed one Pacers starter next season. But what players will make up the starting lineup for them?
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images2025-26 Indiana Pacers projected starting lineup
The Indiana Pacers will have to be creative with their starting lineup, with injuries, player exits, and a lack of free agent signings really limiting their roster depth.
This is what we believe the Indiana Pacers’ starting lineup will be:
Starting LineupSecond UnitAndrew NembhardTJ McConnellAaron NesmithBen SheppardBennedict MathurinJarace WalkerPascal SiakamTony BradleyJay HuffIsaiah Jackson
Andrew Nembhard will have to deputize at point guard, unless Rick Carlisle decides that TJ McConnell can be a starter for them.
Bennedict Mathurin could be the Pacers’ breakout star, as he finally gets to start and gain more experience in a bigger role.
How will the Indiana Pacers fare in a tough Eastern Conference?
While the Indiana Pacers have gotten weaker, several other teams in the Eastern Conference have gotten better.
Their playoff rivals, the New York Knicks, landed some strong role players and brought in a new head coach to try and give them the tools to reach the NBA Finals.
The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks made some huge moves to capitalize on the Pacers and Boston Celtics falling out of contention next season.
The Pacers might be better off trying to survive and get their young players some much-needed playing time next season rather than trying to compete for a championship.