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.
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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.
PG
May 4, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half in game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Andrew Nembhard: $18,102,000
T.J. McConnell: $10,200,000
Tyrese Haliburton: $45,550,512*
*Expected to miss season
SG
Apr 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots the ball while Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Bennedict Mathurin: $9,187,573
SF
Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the third quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Aaron Nesmith: $11,000,000
Jarace Walker: $6,665,520
Johnny Furphy: $1,955,377
PF
Apr 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball while Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Pascal Siakam: $45,550,512
C
Jan 22, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) dunks during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Isaiah Jackson: $7,600,000
James Wiseman: $2,667,947
Two-Way Contracts
Pacers salary information via Spotrac
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Pacers depth chart: Projecting starters, backups for 2025-26 season