Ranking the Top-5 Biggest Games From Pacers 2026-27 NBA Schedule

As the Indiana Pacers get ready for the new 2026-27 NBA season, this year will be all about redemption.

Star guard Tyrese Haliburton will be returning from injury, with the Pacers trying to get back to being title contenders. It could take a little bit to get going, but Indiana has the roster to succeed this season.

But before the season gets started, what games should the Pacers have circled on the schedule? Here are the five biggest games from the upcoming season for Indiana.

5. October 21 at New Orleans Pelicans

In the season opener against the Pelicans, Haliburton will be making his return. This has been something that the entire Pacers organization and fanbase has been patiently waiting for.

Indiana may slow-play Haliburton into the rotation, but having him back should help a lot. This team missed him last season, and with him back, they are again contenders.

4. October 28 vs Philadelphia 76ers

With Haliburton back, the Pacers want to go after a title again. But one team in their way will be the new-look Philadelphia 76ers, now equipped with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.

This will be a perfect chance for the Pacers to measure themselves against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Indiana crowd should be up for this game, possibly giving an edge to the Pacers.

3. November 13 vs New York Knicks

Anytime the Knicks and Pacers meet up, fireworks tend to happen on the court. With New York being the team to beat this season, the Pacers will try to knock them down a peg.

Haliburton has said that he loves playing the Knicks, and this will be his first chance since the injury. Indiana and New York should again be two of the best teams in the East.

2. January 13 vs Milwaukee Bucks

While Myles Turner made his return to Indiana last season with the Bucks, the Pacers didn't have a healthy team. With Haliburton back now, this game could be a lot of fun.

Milwaukee isn't as strong of a team, which could bode well for Indiana. But either way, Turner shouldn't expect a warm welcome at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the remainder of his career.

1. November 23 vs Oklahoma City Thunder

This game against the Thunder is easily the biggest of the season for the Pacers. The last time that Haliburton was healthy, he was dominating Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Of course, he suffered a torn Achilles early in the game, ending the Pacers' chance to win a title. But this will be his chance to face off against the Thunder for the first time since, with the energy from the crowd behind him.