Here are the five biggest X-factors for the Indiana Pacers coming into the new NBA season.
The Indiana Pacers will enter the 2026-27 season ready to reestablish themselves as a top team in the Eastern Conference. But in order to make that a possibility, Indiana is going to need everyone on the roster to play their roles to the highest level.
So, entering the year, who are the biggest x-factors for the Pacers? Here are the five that come to mind before the NBA season gets going:
1. Jarace Walker
Walker took a big leap in his development last year, and the Pacers now need more from him. Bennedict Mathurin is gone, and Walker could look to fill those shoes.
The forward averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 37.4 percent from deep. If Walker can keep improving, the Pacers could have a steal from the fourth-year player.
2. Andrew Nembhard
With Tyrese Haliburton coming back, Nembhard's role will diminish. But the Pacers don't want his confidence to go as well.
Nembhard will have to figure out how to play back in his old role, but he also could be relied upon heavily early in the year as Haliuburton works his way back. Either way, the guard will be one of the top X-factors for this team heading into the season.
3. Ben Sheppard
Sheppard took a step forward in terms of his shooting a year ago, getting to 36 percent from beyond the three-point line. If he wants to see the court this year, he will need to keep that going strong.
But Indiana may need him more than expected. Sheppard can provide a spark off the bench for this team, helping them become a fast paced, fun team once again.
4. Ivica Zubac
Zubac will begin a full season with the Pacers after coming over to the team in a trade last season. The big man only appeared in five games for Indiana, so there wasn't a lot to work with heading into this year.
But Zubac will be tasked with replacing the services of Myles Turner, which won't be easy to do. Zubac doesn't shoot the ball as Turner did, but he is a better rebounder and should get easy shot opportunities this year from the Pacers' playmakers.
5. Tyrese Haliburton
This may be the easiest one of them all, with Halburton coming back from a long injury recovery. The star guard was last seen in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, writhing in pain on the court.
But Haliburton is ready to go this season, hoping to get the Pacers back to title contention once again. If Haliburton can be anything like he was before the brutal injury, the Pacers should be considered a top team in the East again.
