The Indiana Pacers tipped off their 2025-26 NBA season with high hopes but have quickly found themselves facing early adversity and a challenging schedule. Opening on Thursday, October 23, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, the Pacers hosted the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a marquee rematch that set the tone for the new campaign. With star guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire season due to a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of last year’s NBA Finals, the Pacers’ roster and identity have already undergone significant changes.
The Thunder, fresh off a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Houston Rockets to open their title defense, arrived in Indianapolis with momentum but also some weary legs. Three of their five starters had logged over 40 minutes in that grueling opener, and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was coming off a masterful 35-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance, with 30 of those points coming after halftime. The Pacers, meanwhile, had to look to new leaders and contributors with Haliburton’s absence reshaping their strategy and rotations.
Andrew Nembhard, stepping into the role of primary playmaker and perimeter defender, and Bennedict Mathurin, now a full-time starter, were thrust into the spotlight. The Pacers also leaned heavily on veteran forward Pascal Siakam, who had shown signs of being in peak offensive form during the preseason. Siakam’s shooting touch was undeniable, having hit 58% of his three-pointers and an impressive 62.5% from the field over three exhibition games. The hope was that this hot streak would translate into regular-season success and help offset the loss of Haliburton’s playmaking brilliance.
The opener, broadcast nationally on ESPN, brought plenty of attention to Indianapolis. Fans unable to attend in person could catch the action via the ESPN app or tune in to SiriusXM’s dedicated NBA channels—channel 86 for the Pacers and an online feed for Thunder supporters. The arena buzzed with anticipation, not just for the rematch with the Thunder but also for the unveiling of a new-look Pacers squad determined to prove they could compete despite their injury woes.
But the schedule offered no respite. After facing Oklahoma City, the Pacers embarked on a back-to-back road trip, first traveling to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies on Saturday, October 25, and then heading north to face the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday, October 26. The Timberwolves, coming off a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers the night before, were eager to bounce back and improve on their 1-1 start. The Pacers, entering the contest with an 0-2 record, were hungry for their first win.
Sunday’s matchup against the Timberwolves tipped off at 7 p.m. ET and was broadcast on FanDuel-Indiana, with Chris Denari, Quinn Buckner, and Jeremiah Johnson calling the action. Radio listeners in Indianapolis could follow the game on 93.5 and 107.5 FM, while national fans could tune in to SiriusXM Channel 214 for the Grizzlies’ feed. The betting odds, courtesy of BetMGM, heavily favored the Timberwolves by 12.5 points, with an over/under set at 228.5 total points. ESPN’s matchup predictor gave the Timberwolves a 71.4% chance of victory, underscoring the uphill battle facing Indiana’s depleted roster.
Injuries continued to plague the Pacers. Bennedict Mathurin (foot), Taelon Peter (groin), Johnny Furphy (foot), and Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) were all listed as questionable for the game in Minnesota. Quenton Jackson (hamstring), Kam Jones (back), and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) were ruled out entirely. The Timberwolves, too, had their own concerns, with Rob Dillingham questionable due to a nose injury. The Pacers’ active roster for the season included Tyrese Haliburton (officially out for the year), Mathurin, Nembhard, Siakam, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and a mix of promising young players and seasoned veterans.
Despite the mounting injuries, Indiana’s coaching staff and players have embraced the challenge. The absence of Haliburton has forced the team to rely on a more collective approach, with increased opportunities for younger players to step up. As the season unfolds, all eyes are on Nembhard and Mathurin to see how they handle their expanded responsibilities. Siakam’s leadership and scoring will be critical if the Pacers hope to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The first five games of the Pacers’ season are a gauntlet. After their opener against the Thunder and the road trip to Memphis and Minnesota, Indiana will travel to Dallas to face the Mavericks on Wednesday, October 29, before returning home to host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, October 31. Each matchup brings its own set of challenges, especially given the Pacers’ current injury report and the need to integrate new rotations on the fly.
On the Thunder’s side, the defending champions have their own demanding start, with games against the Hawks, Mavericks, Kings, and Wizards following their trip to Indianapolis. The double-overtime win over Houston may have provided an early adrenaline boost, but it also taxed the Thunder’s starters, potentially opening the door for opponents to capitalize on fatigue in the coming days.
Fans looking to follow the Pacers throughout the season can catch all the games on FanDuel Sports Network and the local radio stations 93.5 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis. For those who prefer streaming, the ESPN app and SiriusXM provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring supporters won’t miss a moment of the action. The Pacers Insider newsletter and IndyStarTV also offer in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes stories as the season progresses.
As the Pacers continue their search for a first win and work to overcome the absence of their star guard, the resilience and adaptability of the team will be put to the test. With a mix of emerging talent, veteran leadership, and a supportive home crowd, Indiana is determined to weather this early storm. The road ahead is steep, but if the preseason flashes from Siakam and the potential of Nembhard and Mathurin are any indication, the Pacers’ story this season is far from written. The action is ongoing, and fans across Indiana and beyond will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds.