The Indiana Pacers are facing a turbulent offseason following one of their most successful recent campaigns, which included their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. However, the 2025 season may bring considerable challenges due to the significant impact of the Tyrese Haliburton injury on the team, compounded by the unexpected departure of center Myles Turner.
Haliburton suffered a serious Achilles injury during the Finals, which will likely keep him off the court for most of the upcoming season. Adding to the team’s difficulties, Turner, who was expected to remain with the Pacers through free agency, signed with their rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks. These events have forced Indiana to reconsider its strategies and lineup.
Projected Starting Lineup and Emerging Players
In response, the Pacers plan to field a starting unit led by Andrew Nembhard at point guard, Bennedict Mathurin as shooting guard, Aaron Nesmith at small forward, Pascal Siakam at power forward, and Jay Huff in the center position. This lineup signals a considerable shift from the previous season and reflects the adjustments due to injuries and roster changes.
Key Adjustments in Backcourt Roles
With Haliburton sidelined, Indiana will rely on 25-year-old Andrew Nembhard to fill the critical point guard spot. Last season, Nembhard demonstrated promise as a combo guard, averaging 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while shooting efficiently at 45.8% from the field. Unlike Haliburton, whose strengths included high-level playmaking, Nembhard’s game focuses more on scoring, which could alter the Pacers’ offensive style.
To compensate for this shift, Bennedict Mathurin is expected to take on a larger role as the starting shooting guard. At 23, Mathurin has shown the ability to score in various ways and contributed robustly last season, posting averages of 16.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, shooting 45.8% from the field and 34.0% from beyond the arc. While his defensive skills require further improvement, his offensive versatility is critical for the team‘s scoring needs.
Continuity and Stability in the Frontcourt
Despite changes in the backcourt, the Pacers are maintaining continuity with Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam in their frontcourt roles. Nesmith remains a reliable small forward and demonstrated efficiency last season as a 3-and-D player, averaging 12.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game with shooting splits of 50.7% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range. Much of Nesmith’s shooting success was facilitated by Haliburton’s passing, but he continues to serve as a steady contributor.
Pascal Siakam will remain the cornerstone of the team on both offense and defense. The 31-year-old ECF MVP led Indiana in scoring last season, averaging 20.2 points along with 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. His ability to score efficiently from multiple positions on the court will be crucial in sustaining the team’s offensive flow, especially as he likely takes on an increased offensive burden.
Center Position Renovations Following Turner’s Departure
The center position faces the most dramatic transformation, with Myles Turner leaving and backup Thomas Bryant also departing during free agency. The Pacers have responded by signing Jay Huff, formerly of the Memphis Grizzlies, as their potential starting center. Although Huff played limited minutes last season, he showed promise as an athletic big man who can space the floor effectively.
Huff averaged 6.9 points and 2.0 rebounds over 11.7 minutes per game, with efficient shooting splits of 51.5% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range. While his rebounding is modest, these statistics suggest that, given more time on the court, his performance could stabilize and adequately replace Turner’s role within the team’s framework.
Prospects for Maintaining Competitiveness and Playoff Ambitions
Although the Pacers have lost significant star power, they still possess depth across the roster, which is one of their major assets. Players such as Ben Sheppard, TJ McConnell, and Obi Toppin remain valuable parts of the rotation, contributing to the team‘s overall resilience. Their collective efforts could allow Indiana to remain competitive despite the absence of marquee names.
However, the Eastern Conference presents a tough landscape, with teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons expected to improve substantially. This increased competition may make it difficult for the Pacers to secure a playoff spot, though their track record of overcoming adversity suggests they will fight to stay relevant.
Looking Ahead: What the 2025 Season Might Hold for Indiana
The Indiana Pacers face a critical season of adaptation, balancing the setbacks of Tyrese Haliburton’s injury and Myles Turner’s surprising exit against the promise of developing emerging talent like Nembhard, Mathurin, and Huff. Pascal Siakam’s leadership will be pivotal as the team attempts to navigate these changes.
While the road ahead presents uncertainty and challenges, the Pacers’ depth and determination could enable them to remain competitive and build toward future success. The 2025 season will serve as a test of their resilience and a forecast of the team’s direction in subsequent years.