The Indiana Pacers introduce themselves on media day for the 2025-26 season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday, Sept. 29. The Pacers are coming off a trip to Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, though hopes of getting there again are uncertain because star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury that will keep him out of the upcoming season.
Pascal Siakam remains Indiana’s top scoring option, Andrew Nembhard‘s role will shift and Bennedict Mathurin is stepping into the starting lineup to fill Haliburton’s void. Four players will vie for playing time in the post after Myles Turner’s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks. Coach Rick Carlisle is back for his fifth season in his second stint with the team.
“I love Furphy. The guy plays balls out, fast (and) hard. (He’s) one of the best cutters and crashers. He’s grown and gotten stronger. He’s an aggressive guy. This year, we are going to need that defiant attitude.”
Carlisle said he doesn’t know who will start at center this season. He praised Jay Huff’s ability to space the floor and called Tony Bradley a “sound fundamental player who plays a simple, yet effective game.” Carlisle revealed James Wiseman was one of the last players to drop out of the team’s conditioning test.
“There will be some adjustments as we start and keep moving forward. (Tyrese Haliburton) is such an unusually important player to us. On the other hand, our corporate team, we want to keep it the same. Most of it begins with fast, hard play. We’ll make the adjustments we need to make, but we have to be excited about some of the opportunities these guys have. It’ll be a lot of work, but it’ll be great.”
00, Bennedict Mathurin1, Obi Toppin2, Andrew Nembhard4, Taelon Peter5, Jarace Walker7, Kam Jones9, T.J. McConnell10, RayJ Dennis11, James Wiseman12, Johnny Furphy13, Tony Bradley22, Isaiah Jackson23, Aaron Nesmith26, Ben Sheppard29, Quenton Jackson32, Jay Huff43, Pascal SiakamSamson JohnsonJalen SlawsonGabe McGlothanDelon Wright
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Indiana Pacers preseason schedule(all times ET; all games on FanDuel Sports Network, 93.5 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis)Tuesday, Oct. 7: at Minnesota, 8 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.Monday, Oct. 13: vs. San Antonio, 7 p.m.Friday, Oct. 17: at San Antonio, 8 p.m.
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.