Bill Simmons of The Ringer believes the Indiana Pacers are underrated entering the NBA season
Bill Simmons of The Ringer believes the Indiana Pacers are co-favorites to win the NBA's Eastern Conference.
The Indiana Pacers have experienced a rollercoaster of success and struggle over the past two NBA seasons. They reached the NBA Finals in 2025 but then dropped dramatically to just 19 wins in 2026. While expectations for the upcoming season remain cautiously optimistic, few predict the Pacers as championship contenders. The season kicks off on October 21, with the Indiana Pacers hosting the New Orleans Hornets at 8 p.m. ET. A home opener against Dallas follows on October 23.
Key factors include Tyrese Haliburton's return from Achilles surgery and the performance of the bench players, particularly Kelly Oubre Jr. and Obi Toppin. Coach Rick Carlisle is credited with a strong leadership role in the team. The Pacers' biggest strength is seen as Carlisle's ability to figure things out and improve the team's performance as the season progresses. However, they may need to adjust their playing style to adapt to a new center and increased competition in the league.
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