The Indiana Pacers are making headlines again—this time for a rookie’s explosive preseason performance and a roster shakeup that’s turning heads across the NBA. Just months after their heartbreaking NBA Finals defeat, the Pacers are back on the court, hungry for redemption and brimming with fresh talent.
A Rookie Steals the Spotlight
Saturday night’s preseason matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder wasn’t supposed to mean much. Both teams rested their stars, and the stakes were low. But for
Taelon Peter, Indiana’s No. 54 pick out of Liberty University, it was a chance to shine—and he delivered in spectacular fashion.
Peter led the Pacers with
18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in just over 27 minutes of play. His performance was so impressive that head coach Rick Carlisle couldn’t help but praise the rookie’s poise and physicality:
“He knows what his strengths are. He’s tough-minded. He’s physical, doesn’t mind contact. He’s a better athlete than people think and he can shoot the ball.”Key Absences and Roster Changes
The Pacers’ preseason lineup looked very different from the squad that battled in the Finals.
Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s All-Star point guard, is out for the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles in the Finals.
Myles Turner—the defensive anchor—has left for the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, leaving a major gap in the frontcourt.
Other notable absences included Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and several reserve guards, forcing Indiana to rely on its young guns and new additions. Veteran guard
Cam Payne was recently signed to a training camp contract, adding depth to the backcourt.
Preseason Momentum and Upcoming Matchups
Despite the depleted roster, the Pacers managed to
avenge their Finals loss with a 116-101 victory over the Thunder, improving their preseason record to 2-0. Bennedict Mathurin chipped in with 16 points and six rebounds, showing that Indiana’s young core is ready to step up.
Next, the Pacers face the unbeaten San Antonio Spurs in a highly anticipated preseason clash. Oddsmakers have Indiana as slight home favorites, but the matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams showcasing emerging talent and new rotations.
Burning Questions for the Season Ahead
With Haliburton sidelined and Turner gone, the Pacers enter the 2025-26 season facing major questions:
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Can Taelon Peter and other young players fill the leadership void?-
Will Pascal Siakam step up as the new face of the franchise?-
How will the team’s chemistry evolve with so many new faces?Expert commentary suggests that Indiana’s resilience and depth will be tested early, but the preseason flashes from Peter and Mathurin offer hope for a competitive campaign.
What’s Next for Pacers Fans?
Pacers fans should keep an eye on:
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Taelon Peter’s development—could he become a breakout star?
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Roster moves and injury updates—especially Haliburton’s recovery timeline.
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Upcoming games against top contenders—to gauge how Indiana stacks up in the new-look Eastern Conference.
With fresh faces and a chip on their shoulder, the Pacers are poised for a season full of surprises. Whether they can recapture last year’s magic remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear:
Indiana’s new era has officially begun.
Sources
1. Pacers Rookie Makes Shocking Admission About ...
2. NBA News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, Standings, and Rumors
3. THUNDER at PACERS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | October ...
4. NBA Rumors News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, Standings, and Rumors
5. San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers Preseason Game ...
6. Pacers' Pascal Siakam To Drive Pace Car at Brickyard 400
7. Indiana Pacers Transactions - Oct. 9, 2025
8. ESPN - Serving Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.
9. Johnny Furphy's preseason dunk is worth more than two ...
10. 3 Burning Questions For Pacers Heading Into 2025-26 ...
11. Indiana Pacers Postgame Media Availability | October 11, 2025
