Hello, Pacers fans. As I begin my 15th season on the beat, I want to thank you for your continued support. My job is to serve you — to keep you as informed and connected as possible, year-round. That’s always been my commitment, and it remains so today.
It all begins Wednesday night (8 p.m. ET) for the Indiana Pacers — and 21 other teams.
But before then, the 2026-27 NBA season tipped off on Tuesday with a special triple-header on NBC, beginning with an Eastern Conference matchup in the afternoon.
It was something different, and it was appreciated. Especially the emphasis on earlier games rather than having stars out West tipping off after 10 p.m. The NBA is a global game, and you can be sure those in other time zones appreciated it, too.
Both and Detroit got the season started, with the Celtics blowing a 22-point lead in the loss. Former Pacer Paul George turned back the clock in his Celtics debut, scoring 38 points in 30 minutes and beginning the game 6 of 8 from 3-point range.
Then, Madison Square Garden looked spectacular for the Knicks’ championship ring ceremony. Not one person was sitting.
Former players were recording the whole thing, and some were selected to present rings to executives and coaches. Walt “Clyde” Frazier distributed rings to the players, which was different from most teams. Usually, it’s the owner and commissioner presenting them.
Ring Night is always special. A dream realized for most. And one last grand celebration before turning the page to a new season.
Well done by NBC to air it all, as well as team introductions.
I know, Pacers fans. That had to be difficult to watch, if you watched at all.
We all know that the Knicks didn’t have to go through the Pacers en route to their championship. After all, it was Indiana that ended New York’s season the previous two years.
Even Tyrese Haliburton — who is friends with several players, including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges — had little interest in watching them win it all for the first time since 1973.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Good for them,” Haliburton said at his camp in late June.
You can be sure it’s just another chip on his shoulder.
At the least, Haliburton had to smile seeing Tyler Kolek win a championship in his PUMA Hali 1s.
The Pacers’ All-Star point guard is back after missing all of last season, and he already has another edge — feeling disrespected that his first regular-season game back isn’t at home or on national television.
Instead, the Pacers open on the road in New Orleans, with a local broadcast rather than a nationally televised showcase for the entire country to enjoy.
Haliburton looked good in the three preseason games that he played, including clearing another mental hurdle by returning to Oklahoma City, where he suffered the injury.
“Oh, my body feels great. I feel great moving, I feel great playing. My body just feels great in all honesty. Never felt this strong.”
That was in June. So imagine how much better he’s feeling four months later, and now 16 months removed from surgery to repair a torn Achilles.
He’s slowed down and become more deliberate with his decision-making and movements since returning to game action at Iowa State. Now, like the rest of the team, he’s working to get into game shape.
That will come in time.
He’s about 205 pounds and wants to get down to 200. And with the starters playing only about 17 minutes in each preseason game, there hasn’t been much opportunity to build up to a regular-season workload.
“There’s a difference between NBA shape and Tyrese Haliburton shape,” he said. “I’ll get there, but I feel great. I had to take these 12 months in stride and figure out what positives I could add to that. There haven’t been many, but try to do what I can.”
The time away wasn’t with some important milestones. Haliburton launched his first signature shoe, bought a new house, got married, and returned to the game he loves.
He’s grateful.
Haliburton, who hadn’t experienced a major injury in his career, no longer takes his health for granted. And he has plenty of motivation — most of all, to make the most of every opportunity he’s on the court.
“It’s been a long journey to get here,” he told reporters after practice Tuesday, “and I think preseason was a good starting point.”
During the preseason, the Pacers led the league in assists (33.8). They ranked fifth in rebounding, up from 17th last preseason, and fifth in blocks.
Those were both encouraging. But turnovers (22), fouls, and health remain concerns entering the regular season.
And after opening in New Orleans — a stretch with three of four games on the road — the Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday to host Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks.
The Eastern Conference is as competitive as ever. Although the Pacers are process-driven, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their sights set on returning to the NBA Finals.
But it’s one day at a time.
There’s plenty to sort out, and the Pacers won’t have all the answers in New Orleans. But after a lost season, the biggest piece is back in place. Now comes the challenge of getting this group whole, establishing chemistry (especially with newcomer Ivica Zubac) and returning to the standard they’ve set for themselves.
Pacers Begin Season Without Two Key Pieces
The Pacers were never whole in the preseason. And that will continue into the regular season.
T.J. McConnell was limited in training camp by a right hamstring strain, while starting wing Aaron Nesmith missed the final two games with a left hamstring strain.
Both have already been ruled out for Wednesday’s opener.
That opens the door for free-agent addition Kelly Oubre Jr. to start in place of Nesmith. He’s a versatile 6-foot-8 wing who started in 84% of his games over the last four seasons. So it’s nothing new for him.
And, as you already know, Johnny Furphy continues to rehab a torn right ACL.
What NBA Officials Will Be Watching
Before each season, the NBA releases detailed videos explaining the areas officials will be watching most closely.
For the last several years, the league — led by Monty McCutchen, senior vice president and head of referee development and training — has also hosted reporters on an hour-long Zoom call to provide further explanation and answer questions.
It was informative, and I’ll have more on it soon.
For now, here are the league’s points of emphasis and areas of focus entering the season:
Off-arm push-offs
Freedom of movement
Straight-line pathway plays
Screening
Flopping
Game administration — delays affecting gameplay
Local Broadcast Moves to DAZN
There’s no change to the on-air talent, but how you watch Pacers games will be different this season.
FanDuel Sports Network is out and DAZN is the new local streaming home.
Here's the inside story of how the partnership came together.
Chris Denari and Quinn Buckner begin their 21st season together. Jeremiah Johnson returns to the sidelines for a 13th season, and Eddie Gill is back for his 11th season. Gill also continues as Mark Boyle’s analyst on radio.
DAZN, which is distributing games for 10 of 30 teams, is offering a free seven-day trial for Pacers fans — and no credit card is needed. You just need to sign up with your email.
If you join by the end of the month, you can get at least 40% off. It’s $59.99 for the Standard package, which allows two streams in one location, or $79.99 for the Ultimate package, which includes several perks, highlighted by up to five streams in two locations.
And 22 regular-season games will be available for free through the DAZN app.
And nationally, here’s a reminder of where you can find games.
wish the SGA-style "hop and shuffle while holding the ball" was a point of emphasis