Indiana Pacers face bench depth concerns ahead of 2026-27 NBA season

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 12:30 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Indiana Pacers face bench depth concerns ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
Summary

The Indiana Pacers enter the 2026-27 season with questions regarding the depth of their reserve unit. Following an appearance in the NBA Finals two years ago, the team faces a roster shift as Bennedict Mathurin has departed and veteran T.J. McConnell enters the campaign at age 34. The front office signed Kelly Oubre Jr. to help fill the scoring void, while players like Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin are expected to take on larger roles. Tyrese Haliburton returns to the starting lineup alongside Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and recent addition Ivica Zubac. Coach Rick Carlisle must now determine how to manage the rotation effectively to support the starters throughout the regular season. The Pacers aim to maintain their status as a championship-caliber team despite doubts regarding the strength of their bench production.

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Status Watch
  • Tyrese Haliburton returns to the Pacers after suffering a torn Achilles in the 2025 NBA Finals.
  • Bennedict Mathurin has departed the roster, leaving a vacancy in second-unit scoring.
  • Kelly Oubre Jr. joined the team in free agency to bolster the bench.
  • Ivica Zubac joins the starting lineup alongside Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith.
  • Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin are slated for increased minutes off the bench this season.
Latest Updates
  • 12:30 AMYahoo SportsPacers' Biggest Question Mark This Season Is Painfully Obvious
What they're saying
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The Indiana Pacers' biggest question mark for the 2026-27 NBA season is very obvious.

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