Pacers Set Roster for Opening Night Amid Center Challenges

Indianapolis, IN – All 30 NBA teams submitted their opening night rosters by 5 p.m. ET on Monday. However, these lists are not final and can change as teams evaluate their players.

The Indiana Pacers currently have 13 players with fully guaranteed contracts for the 2025-26 season. Additionally, they include James Wiseman, who has a partial guarantee, and Tony Bradley, whose deal is non-guaranteed. This situation puts the Pacers in an interesting position with four centers to start the season.

The Pacers face a unique challenge this year as they begin the season without Myles Turner, a key player for the past decade. The team needs to focus on getting more production while reducing fouls in the center position. Both Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson are recovering from Achilles injuries, which adds to their uncertainty.

One potential strategy for the Pacers is to utilize Obi Toppin in a small-ball lineup, allowing for versatility at the center position. Recently, they waived a player just 10 days after signing him, which highlights the fluid nature of roster decisions.

Head Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged these changes, stating, “It just didn’t work out” regarding the team’s decision to part ways with Delon Wright. He noted that training camp and the preseason are vital periods for assessing player fit, both on and off the court.

The Pacers continue to evaluate their roster and will likely make further adjustments as the season progresses.