The Indiana Pacers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with expectations rising after Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a serious injury. Multiple outlets frame the offseason and opening stretch around the question of whether Haliburton is healthy and can restore Indiana’s performance after a difficult prior campaign.
According to previews, the Pacers missed the playoffs last season with a 19-63 record. Coach Rick Carlisle, now in his 11th season with Indiana, leads a roster shaped by both departures and additions. Reported exits include Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and Micah Potter, while incoming players include Ivica Zubac, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Larry Nance Jr. Ivica Zubac’s health and on-court fit are also highlighted as key factors.
Haliburton is described as returning after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, with outlets noting he says he is healthy and ready. One preview points to the season opener on Oct. 21 at New Orleans. Overall, the outlets differ mainly in emphasis—some focus on Haliburton’s impact, others on roster changes and immediate readiness—while aligning on the central theme of a potential turnaround.
