Pacers prepare for season with improved center lineup featuring Zubac

The Pacers start the new season with Ivica Zubac as their primary center, supported by Jay Huff and veteran Larry Nance Jr. Coach Rick Carlisle is optimistic about the versatility and depth at the position after last season’s struggles, which included trading for Zubac mid-year. Nance, who has dealt with injuries, emphasizes the value of having different skill sets on the team, helping to match various playing styles. ESPN notes that Indiana is set to take the court in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Ames, Iowa, on Wednesday.

• 7:18 PMYahoo Sports — Pacers enter year with better, versatile centers: 'We don’t have a lot of intersecting parts'