Fresh off their second trip to the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers enter the 2025-26 season aiming to make another deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
However, the group is projected nationally to take a step back this season after losing All-Star Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team also lost mainstay Myles Turner in free agency to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The front office made a few minor moves, acquiring Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies and drafting Kam Jones (38th) and Taelon Peter (54th). Behind their offseason moves, the Pacers begin the season 19th in title odds (plus-12500).
With the team opening training camp on Sept. 30, Rookie Wire examined the Pacers’ depth chart and offered an early projection of the starters and backups entering the season.
PGAndrew Nembhard: $18,102,000T.J. McConnell: $10,200,000Tyrese Haliburton: $45,550,512*
*Expected to miss season
SGBennedict Mathurin: $9,187,573Ben Sheppard: $2,790,720Kam Jones: $1,272,870SFAaron Nesmith: $11,000,000Jarace Walker: $6,665,520Johnny Furphy: $1,955,377PFPascal Siakam: $45,550,512Obi Toppin: $14,000,000CJay Huff: $2,349,578Isaiah Jackson: $7,600,000Tony Bradley: $2,940,876James Wiseman: $2,667,947Two-Way ContractsRayJ DennisQuenton JacksonTaelon Peter
Pacers salary information via Spotrac