The Indiana Pacers are weighing a small-ball option for the final five minutes of games in the 2026-27 season. The concept centers on a faster, perimeter-oriented five that swaps traditional post size for the athleticism of Pascal Siakam and the shooting range of Kelly Oubre Jr. This unit would sit behind the core of Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard on the wings, offering a contrast to the conventional lineup anchored by center Ivica Zubac.
The expected starting five features Haliburton, Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Siakam and Zubac. Zubac provides a genuine post threat that opens driving lanes for Haliburton and Nembhard, and his defensive approach often begins with drop coverage before sprinting to contest screen rolls. That timing is critical; any lapse can leave the paint exposed.
The small-ball alternative replaces Zubac with Siakam as the “five” and adds Oubre as the extra wing. Oubre’s experience with the Philadelphia 76ers is notable: he appeared in the second-most used lineup in both the 2025-26 and 2023-24 seasons and was the most-used rotation piece in 2024-25. Those usage patterns demonstrate his comfort in a high-tempo system and his willingness to space the floor with three-point attempts, even if his shooting can be streaky.
From a schematic standpoint, the Siakam-Oubre five trades size for speed. By spreading the floor, opponents are forced to defend a wider area, and Siakam’s ability to attack the rim creates natural kick-out opportunities for Haliburton’s playmaking. Oubre’s perimeter threat adds a second-order scoring option that can stretch defenses that would otherwise collapse into the paint. The primary trade-off is reduced rim protection, meaning the Pacers must rely on disciplined rotations and timely help defense to contain screen rolls and three-point attempts.
This approach aligns with Indiana’s broader roster philosophy, which values versatility and the ability to operate in multiple schemes. The league’s shift toward positionless basketball has encouraged teams to experiment with hybrid lineups that can neutralize dominant big men while preserving offensive rhythm. By keeping Zubac in the regular rotation and deploying the small-ball unit in specific matchups, the Pacers maintain a flexible identity that can adapt to the three-point-heavy style that dominates the modern NBA.
If the Siakam-Oubre group proves effective in protecting the three-point line and generating a positive plus-on-court impact during the closing minutes, it could become a regular fixture in games against elite interior teams. The ability to flip between a traditional post-center and a speed-driven five without sacrificing offensive flow may prove decisive in a season where the last five minutes often determine playoff destiny.
