Pacers Aim for Contention with Haliburton and Zubac
The Indiana Pacers are focusing on a return to contention in the upcoming season, relying on the comeback of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and the acquisition of starting center Ivica Zubac. This strategy comes after a difficult previous season where the team won only 19 games, the lowest in franchise history.
Haliburton had previously led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals in 2024 and was instrumental in their performance during the 2025 NBA Finals before suffering a torn Achilles tendon. The team struggled with injuries last season while Haliburton recovered, resulting in a disappointing performance.
As the 2026/27 season approaches, oddsmakers have projected the Pacers to win 44.5 games. Haliburton acknowledged the team's need to improve from last year's performance, while general manager Chad Buchanan emphasized the belief among the core players that they can overcome past setbacks and achieve their championship aspirations.
