The Indiana Pacers will be in the building against the Atlanta Hawks when Atlanta hosts an interesting theme game this season.
The Indiana Pacers are getting ready to kick off the new 2026-27 NBA season, looking to get back to being a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.
After missing the playoffs a year ago and winning just 19 games in the season, the Pacers are ready to prove themselves again. Indiana will be getting back star guard Tyrese Haliburton from injury, offering them a chance to really turn everything around.
But before the season starts, the Pacers were named as an opponent in an interesting theme game. When the Pacers travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on January 7, 2027, the Hawks will be doing a "Single AF Night".
The event is expected to bring single people together during the game, having opportunities to mingle. This is one of the more intriguing theme games from a team, and the Pacers will be in the building for it.
Indiana will be hoping to spoil the Hawks' fans nights, grabbing a win during this theme night. For the Pacers to get where they want to go this year, taking down teams like the Hawks will be crucial.
Atlanta is expected to be a playoff team once again, but they aren't generally seen as a true title threat. But for the Pacers, making sure that they can beat middle-of-the-pack teams in the East, like the Hawks, will be paramount.
With Haliburton back on the floor, the Pacers should get back to being a title threat. And after being out for so long due to injury, the star guard is ready to get going.
"Chomping at the bit. I can't wait," Haliburton said. "Everybody always feels the summer is really long. Like, 'Wow, I can't wait to get back'. Well, I've had that for double, triple the amount of time as everybody else. So I can't wait to get back on the floor."
Haliburton knows what he has a lot to prove this season, but the veteran is looking to reestablish himself among the best in the league. If Haliburton can make this happen, the sky could be the limit for the Pacers, who came within one win of a title the last time Haliburton played.
The Pacers will open the new 2026-27 NBA season on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road on October 21. Indiana will then host the Dallas Mavericks on October 23, giving its fans a chance to see Haliburton once again.
