Pacers Prepare for Season Amid Roster Changes and Strategies

Indianapolis, IN — The Indiana Pacers are gearing up to start the 2025-26 NBA season, but this year’s team will look different from the one that pushed to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Key players such as Achilles are out for the season, and Myles Turner has signed with another team.

As the Pacers head into the season, they need to adjust to the absence of Turner. They have several centers competing for playing time, including potential candidates who could step up and fill his role.

IndyStar’s Dustin Dopirak explores the idea of Obi Toppin, currently a backup power forward, moving closer to the basket. This strategy could create a ‘death’ lineup reminiscent of the Golden State Warriors’ famous setup that transformed NBA offense strategies a decade ago.

“Right now, I think it is the way the Pacers should go,” Dopirak stated on the podcast. Toppin could mesh well with teammates like Nembhard and Mathurin in this new arrangement.

Dopirak remarked, “I think you saw signs of that when you had those five together. How long can you do it? There are drawbacks to it. There is a ‘death’ lineup with Obi Toppin in it that can be really productive. If you’re behind, that’s the five I go out there with.”

The Pacers will kick off their season on Thursday, Oct. 23, by hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Fans can catch the game on ESPN, with Mark Boyle on play-by-play, Eddie Gill providing analysis, and Pat Boylan reporting from the sidelines. Streaming will be available on Channel 86, which will cover the Pacers throughout the season.