Indiana Pacers News

EASTERN CENTRAL

Braden Smith • PG • Pacers

Pacers Sign Braden Smith to Two-Way Contract

The Indiana Pacers have signed guard Braden Smith to a two-way contract, the team announced Monday. Smith, the NCAA's all-time career assists leader at Purdue, landed with Indiana after the Pacers acquired the No. 38 pick from Chicago for Kam Jones, future second-round pick swaps, and cash considerations. He averaged 6.8 points, 7.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across five Summer League starts, though he shot just 26.5 percent from the field. Smith joins Jalen Slawson and Kobe Brown on Indiana's two-way slate and should spend plenty of time with the G-League's Noblesville Boom. He is buried behind Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, leaving him off fantasy radars barring a major role change.

2 days ago

Tyrese Haliburton • PG • Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton Calls Out Road Opener

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton took issue with the team's season-opening assignment, saying on the "Numbers on the Board" podcast that he was shocked Indiana opens Oct. 21 at New Orleans without a national TV slot. The All-NBA guard tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and missed all of the Pacers' 19-63 season, so the matchup would be his first NBA game action in roughly 16 months. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 2024-25, keeping him in bounce-back centerpiece territory. His return should cut into Andrew Nembhard's usage while giving new Pacers center Ivica Zubac a high-end pick-and-roll partner.

4 days ago

Braden Smith • PG • Pacers

Braden Smith Nears Two-Way Deal with Pacers

Indiana Pacers guard Braden Smith is in line for a two-way deal after the team waived Ethan Thompson from his two-way contract, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith. Thompson's exit allows him to join Partizan in Serbia and clears a roster path for Smith, the No. 38 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The former Purdue guard left college as the NCAA's all-time assists leader after averaging 14.3 points and 8.8 assists as a senior, and he flashed his passing in Las Vegas with a nine-assist Summer League finale. The fit is developmental, though. With Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell ahead of him, Smith projects for heavy Noblesville Boom minutes and stays off the fantasy radar.

5 days ago

Tyrese Haliburton • PG • Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton Says He's Season-Ready

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) said Tuesday that he has been medically cleared and would be ready to play if the season started today, according to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. "If the season was today, I'd be ready," Haliburton said. The two-time All-Star missed all of 2025-26 after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, but he is playing pickup regularly and said true game conditioning will come during the preseason. In his last full season, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. Fantasy managers can treat him as a high-end point guard again, though the opening weeks could come with some ramp-up risk. His return also nudges T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard back toward secondary roles.

6 days ago

Tyrese Haliburton • PG • Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton Hopes to Play in 2028 Olympics

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hopes to play for Team USA in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, according to Evan Sidery. The long-term goal is another positive checkpoint in his recovery after he tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and missed all of last season. Haliburton has resumed 5-on-5 work, and Indiana is reportedly optimistic he will be ready for the season opener. The 26-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 2024-25, so the fantasy ceiling remains high. The risk is the layoff, while Andrew Nembhard's assist volume should take the biggest hit once Haliburton reclaims the offense.

Aug 6

Ivica Zubac • C • Pacers

Ivica Zubac Becomes Eligible for $95 Million Pacers Extension

Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac is eligible for a three-year, roughly $95 million extension, per Evan Sidery, and he looks like a strong candidate after Indiana paid a steep price to install him at the five. The Pacers sent what became the No. 5 pick and an unprotected 2029 first-rounder to the Clippers for Zubac, who remains on a team-friendly deal paying just over $20 million annually through 2028. For fantasy, Zubac is a rock-solid center after averaging 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 59.8 percent shooting last season. The upside case gets cleaner when Tyrese Haliburton returns, as Zubac fits as a strong pick-and-roll and lob partner. Draft him as a reliable early-to-mid-round center with field-goal percentage and rebounding as the anchors.

Jul 23

Jalen Slawson • PF • Pacers

Pacers Sign Jalen Slawson to a Two-Way Deal

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Slawson has agreed to a new two-way contract, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, claiming the slot the Pacers cleared a day earlier by waiving Taelon Peter. Slawson earned it with a loud Summer League, blocking 3.2 shots per game, and with a well-rounded 13-game NBA cameo last season: 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 23.9 minutes. That defensive stat-stuffing is the intrigue, but the reality tempers it. As a two-way, the 26-year-old projects to spend most of 2026-27 with the G League's Noblesville Boom, and shaky outside shooting caps the upside. He is a deep-dynasty monitor for steals and blocks, nothing more for now.

Jul 21

Larry Nance Jr. • PF • Pacers

Larry Nance Jr. Lands One-Year Deal With Pacers

Free-agent forward/center Larry Nance Jr. agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 33-year-old spent last season with Cleveland, averaging 3.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while playing a limited role. Nance gives Indiana another veteran frontcourt piece who can rebound, pass, and defend multiple spots, but his fantasy ceiling remains low without a clear path to steady minutes. He would need injuries or a larger-than-expected bench role to become more than a situational fantasy option.

Jul 8

Jay Huff • C • Pacers

Jay Huff Blocks Four Shots in USA's Qualifier Win

Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and four blocks as USA Basketball edged the Dominican Republic 82-81 in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. The 7-foot-1 big man is coming off a useful season in Indiana, where he averaged 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while giving the Pacers a stretch-center element. The blocks are still the fantasy hook, but his regular-season value depends on minutes. With Ivica Zubac ahead of him and Micah Potter also in the frontcourt mix, Huff profiles more as a specialist than a locked-in fantasy option.

Jul 5

Andrew Nembhard • PG • Pacers

Andrew Nembhard Backs Up SGA With 23 Points for Canada

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard backed up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists in Canada's 110-84 rout of Puerto Rico in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. It capped a strong showing for a player coming off the best season of his career. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined all of 2025-26, Nembhard slid into the lead-guard role and posted career highs of 16.9 points and 7.7 assists over 57 games. Here's the fantasy catch, though: that breakout was largely a product of opportunity. Haliburton is expected back next season, which reclaims the primary ball-handling duties and shrinks Nembhard toward the secondary role he filled before, when he averaged closer to 10.0 points and 5.0 assists. There may be an early-season window while Haliburton ramps up from the Achilles, but don't pay 2025-26 prices. His value fades the moment the offense runs back through Haliburton.

Jul 4

Ivica Zubac • C • Pacers

Ivica Zubac Dominates in 18 Minutes as Croatia Routs Cyprus

Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac needed just 18 minutes to post 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, powering Croatia to a record 123-50 rout of Cyprus and into the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. For fantasy, the number that matters most is the minutes: Zubac looked fully healthy and dominant, an encouraging sign after a lost season. His 2025-26 season was wrecked by the February trade from the Clippers to Indiana, a delayed debut, and a fractured rib that ended his year after just five Pacers games. Remember what he is at full strength, though. In 2024-25, he broke out for 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while earning All-Defensive honors, and he steps into 2026-27 as Indiana's clear starting center, with pick-and-roll upside once Tyrese Haliburton is back. This is a buy-the-bounce-back center: reliable boards, blocks, and field-goal percentage at a likely discount.

Jul 4

Tyrese Haliburton • PG • Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton Says he Feels Healthy After Achilles Rehab

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) stated that he feels great and is "operating like a healthy NBA player." The 26-year-old missed the entire 2025-26 campaign after tearing his right Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA Finals. He has been participating in 5-on-5 work since April and expects to be unrestricted for training camp. Andrew Nembhard absorbed the primary playmaking duties last season, averaging 16.9 points and 7.7 assists per game. While Nembhard's usage will drastically decrease, Haliburton's return restores a premier offensive engine to the starting lineup. Although the organization could manage his preseason workload, the two-time All-Star should be ready for Opening Night and remains a high-end draft target.

Jun 28

Kobe Brown • PF • Pacers

Kobe Brown Won't Play on Thursday

Indiana Pacers forward Kobe Brown (back) is ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Brown was forced to exit early during Tuesday's game due to a back issue. He's not feeling 100 percent yet, but fantasy managers should check back for another update ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. His absence should mean larger roles for Jarace Walker, Obi Toppin, and Jalen Slawson. Walker likely has the highest upside among the three players ahead of Thursday's slate.

Apr 9

Ben Sheppard • SF • Pacers

Ben Sheppard to Miss Third Straight Game

Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This marks the third game in a row that Sheppard has missed due to a lingering hip issue. His next chance to play will come on Friday, so fantasy managers should check for another update ahead of that contest. Quenton Jackson and Ethan Thompson should see a boost in playing time with Sheppard sidelined. Jackson is the better fantasy option between the two, with 10 or more points scored in three of his last five games.

Apr 9

Jarace Walker • PF • Pacers

Jarace Walker is Available on Thursday

Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (hip) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Walker is dealing with a hip issue, but it won't be enough to hold him out of this contest. He finished with 11 points, five assists, and six rebounds across 28 minutes of action during Tuesday's game. Given the injuries to this roster, Walker is likely going to continue playing significant minutes over the final few games of the regular season. He's usually a consistent enough contributor to be trusted as a DFS option ahead of Thursday's game.

Apr 9

Jarace Walker • PF • Pacers

Jarace Walker May Exit Pacers Lineup Again Thursday

Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (back) could be back in street clothes on Thursday night, as the team has listed him as questionable for a meeting with the Brooklyn Nets. Walker shook off a back injury to end a four-game absence on Tuesday against Minnesota, recording 11 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. If he plays on Thursday, Walker is expected to see higher offensive usage again, as Indiana will remain without Pascal Siakam (ankle) and Andrew Nembhard (back). Walker's absence would open up more playing time for Obi Toppin, Jalen Slawson, and Kobe Brown (back).

Apr 9

Aaron Nesmith • PF • Pacers

Aaron Nesmith Out for Sixth Consecutive Game

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (neck) will sit out Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, missing his sixth consecutive game. Health issues have limited Nesmith to just 45 outings this campaign, and there's no point in bringing him back for the final regular-season games. Pascal Siakam (ankle) and Andrew Nembhard (back) are also out, so reserves like Ethan Thompson, Jalen Slawson, and Quenton Jackson will have more prominent roles in a favorable fantasy matchup. Given how poor both defenses have been this season, it should be a free-scoring game.

Apr 9

T.J. McConnell • PG • Pacers |

Andrew Nembhard • PG • Pacers

Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell Unavailable Thursday

Indiana Pacers guards Andrew Nembhard (back) and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) will remain out on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. Both players exited the lineup at the start of the month and will sit out a fifth consecutive game, as Nembhard is dealing with a back problem and McConnell is managing a hamstring injury. With the two playmakers sidelined, Indiana will continue to rely more on Quenton Jackson, Ethan Thompson, and Kam Jones in the backcourt. Of the trio, Thompson had the best outing in Tuesday's loss to Minnesota, tallying a team-high 17 points. Thompson formed the starting backcourt with Jackson, who finished with nine points, four assists, and one steal.

Apr 9

Pascal Siakam • PF • Pacers

Pascal Siakam Remains Out on Thursday

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This marks the third game in a row that Siakam has missed due to a lingering ankle injury. The Pacers are eliminated from playoff contention, so there's no reason to play Siakam at less than 100 percent health. There's a good chance that Siakam is done for the season, but his next chance to play will come on Friday. Obi Toppin should be a more attractive streaming choice and DFS option with Siakam sidelined. Toppin finished with 14 points and three rebounds across 22 minutes on Tuesday.

Apr 8

Andrew Nembhard • PG • Pacers

Andrew Nembhard Misses Fourth Consecutive Game

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's on the injury report due to thoracic and lumbar injury management, sitting out a fourth consecutive contest. With Nembhard out of the picture, Quenton Jackson has enjoyed a stint as a starter and is expected to lead the backcourt again, especially with T.J. McConnell (hamstring) also unavailable. Jackson has averaged 13.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game since Nembhard departed the lineup. Kam Jones and Ethan Thompson also benefit from Nembhard's absence.

Apr 7

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