The Indiana Pacers have endured their share of losses this season, a run of misfortune that has left them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 13–40 record in the 2025–26 campaign.
With franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton still sidelined by his Game 7 Achilles injury, and a rotating cast of key contributors missing time, things have looked different for the Pacers. High-flying forward Obi Toppin has missed all but three games this season due to injury. Toppin is sidelined with a right foot injury and does not currently have a timetable for his return, but is said to be “ahead of schedule” with his recovery, according to the IndyStar. While game results have been scarce, a league-worst record does not necessarily mean rock bottom, according to Sports Illustrated.
Some stability is still present among the Pacers’ rotation, including players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith. Joining them on the court includes up-and-coming player Johnny Furphy and 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam, all according to ESPN.
The Pacers have also found a bright spot in center Jay Huff, who has shown significant potential, as he is averaging career highs in minutes, points and rebounds according to ESPN.
This Pacers’ season has been a rollercoaster, but fans have remained loyal through the ups and downs, according to veteran guard T.J. McConnell.
“We’ve got the best fans, I could go on and on,” McConnell said in an after-practice interview on Jan. 30. “The support they’ve shown, especially in a tough year so far, is unmatched.”
At the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, former Pacers first-round draft picks Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson were traded to the L.A. Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac, according to the NBA.
Zubac, an NBA All-Defensive team selection during the 2024-25 season, currently averages a double-double (14.4 PPG, 11.0 RPG) and is under contract through the 2027-28 season, according to basketball reference.
“His level of physicality around the rim, he’s really one of the most prominent physical centers in the league,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “It’s physicality and skill and rebounding and offensive rebounding. This will help our rebounding. We obviously feel the fit is good with Tyrese, Pascal and our other veteran guys. And we know that he will be very warmly embraced by our fanbase.”
As the NBA season enters its latter half, many Pacers fans have shifted their attention away from a potential playoff push and toward evaluating the team’s young core and the outlook for the 2026–27 season.
The NBA Draft order is determined by a lottery system, meaning it is based on odds rather than a strict worst-to-best record. As it stands, the Pacers currently hold the third-worst record in the league, according to the NBA.
According to Tankathon, a popular draft lottery simulation machine, the Pacers have tied for the best odds to get the number one overall pick with the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings. If the Pacers strike good fortune in the lottery, they will be positioned to take an elite-level college prospect in the upcoming draft, which positions them well going into the 2026-27 season.
With the upcoming lottery and draft looming larger than the current standings, the remainder of the season figures to be less about wins and losses and more about growth. Each game offers an opportunity for Indiana’s young pieces to gain experience, establish roles and show how they might fit alongside a healthy core in the years ahead.
Just one season ago, this same Pacers franchise was competing in a Game 7 on the NBA’s biggest stage. Much of the core responsible for that run remains in place, and with All-NBA talent Tyrese Haliburton expected to make a full return, the Pacers appear well-positioned to return to contention in the coming years.
