The Indiana Pacers' 2026-27 schedule has officially been released and the team will play 11 nationally televised games.
Indiana Pacers fans have been waiting for the NBA to release the team's 2026-27 schedule. That time has finally arrived.
On Thursday afternoon, the league released the schedule. For the Pacers, it comes with an intriguing twist.
Throughout the course of the season, Indiana will play 11 nationally televised games. However, there was also some disappointing news along with the schedule release.
Despite the storyline of Tyrese Haliburton making his return to the court for the season opener following an entire season being held out due to a torn Achilles, the Pacers will not open their regular season in front of the home crowd. Instead, Indiana will be on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans.
That game against the Pelicans is scheduled for October 21.
When will the Pacers play their home opener? That will come just two days later. Indiana will play host to the Dallas Mavericks on October 23.
Haliburton not being able to make his return to the court at home is a clear disappointment. The Pacers' fan base suffered through enough last year. At least having a home opener to welcome the superstar point guard back would have been heartwarming.
While fans have every right to be disappointed, the season can't get here soon enough. Indiana will look to pick up where it left off when Haliburton went down with the torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals two years ago.
On paper, the Pacers look the part of a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Assuming Haliburton returns to form, Kevin Pritchard has built a very competitive roster. Fans will get their first look at new star center Ivica Zubac with Haliburton to begin the year.
During the NBA offseason, Indiana also was able to sign a valuable role player in Kelly Oubre Jr.
Outside of those two key additions, the Pacers return most of their core from the NBA Finals run. Pritchard and the front office have focused on trying to keep the core together. After the Haliburton injury, Indiana wanted to give the team another chance at winning it all.
All of that being said, the schedule is out. Fans now know when the Pacers will get back on the court. October 21 will feature the start of the season, but Indiana fans can't wait to see their team in person for the first time on October 23 against the Mavericks.
You can view the entire Pacers' schedule by clicking on this link.
