The Indiana Pacers will have Tyrese Haliburton back on the court in the 2026-27 season as they look to contend.
The Indiana Pacers enter the 2026-27 season looking to jump back into contention, led by star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon that he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Last time he was on the court, Haliburton was one of the best players in the league, averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three.
He is one of the best playmakers in the league and has proven to be an efficient scorer as well. Haliburton's return makes the Pacers a contender in the Eastern Conference once again.
Indiana has kept most of their core pieces from the run to the NBA Finals, including Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin.
The Pacers will have a new center in place as they acquired Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers at the deadline after Myles Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectZubac's game is different from what Turner brought to the table, but he could be an upgrade. The 29-year-old big man averaged 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, shooting 59.8 percent from the field in the 2025-26 season.
He will be a stronger screener, rebounder, and rim protector for the Pacers than Turner, who was a quality defender and floor spacer but wasn't much of a screener or rebounder.
With this core and the addition of forward Kelly Oubre Jr., Indiana has gotten better and will be in the mix in the East. However, it will be a challenge for the Pacers as other teams have gotten better as the Miami Heat traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, and the Toronto Raptors will likely add Kawhi Leonard.
Indiana will also have to deal with the defending champion New York Knicks to win the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers have an All-Star duo of Haliburton and Siakam, with a ton of depth on the roster, making them clear contenders for an NBA title.
