Indiana's season ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals. That disappointment was followed by the worst season in franchise history. The front office responded with three key additions. The Pacers signed Kelly Oubre Jr. They acquired Ivica Zubac in February. Most importantly, they look to a healthier, stronger and more motivated Tyrese Haliburton.

Zubac stands as one of the better centers in the NBA and gives the Pacers a proven interior presence. Oubre Jr. adds wing depth and scoring punch off the bench. Yet Haliburton's recovery from an Achilles injury may matter most. Nearly 16 months will have passed between the injury and the start of the regular season. That timeline supports optimism he returns to full strength earlier than most expect. The Pacers plan to limit his playing time on back-to-backs to protect his health.

Haliburton's playmaking sets the offense in motion. A return to his pre-injury form should restore the pick-and-roll efficiency that carried Indiana to the Finals. Zubac's rebounding and rim protection create a more balanced frontcourt. That interior upgrade lets the Pacers run more effective sets while maintaining spacing on the perimeter. Oubre Jr. complements those pieces with his ability to score and stretch the floor.

The core already knows what it takes to reach the NBA Finals. That battle-tested group enters the season extremely motivated after the recent disappointment. Zubac reached the Western Conference Finals in 2021. Oubre Jr. has made it to the conference semifinals twice. Their postseason experience adds value to a roster built around veterans who understand winning at this level.

The Pacers are projected to finish with a 50-32 record, the same mark they posted in 2024-25. That win total would likely secure a top-four seed and home-court advantage in the first round. Coach Nate Bjorkgren must manage Haliburton's minutes carefully through the first three months. Zubac should settle into a starting role by November. Oubre Jr. will compete for consistent rotation minutes.

Even with identical regular-season results, the 2026-27 Pacers possess clear advantages. A fully recovered Haliburton improves their offensive pace and decision-making. The upgraded frontcourt adds physicality and defensive versatility the previous team lacked. Those changes could turn last season's painful ending into the foundation for a more dangerous playoff run.