
The Pacers Post Up
222 episodes — Page 1 of 5
Pacers Trade for Braden Smith | NBA Draft Recap
10 Burning Questions Ahead of the NBA Draft
Congrats to the N… Nope: The Pacers Comeback Tour Starts Now
Pacers Around the Horn: Rumors, Roster Moves & Rooting Against New York
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 5: Entering the Ivica Zubac Era
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 4: How Good Is Pascal Siakam, Really?
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 3: Double A Energy
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 2: Welcome to Nembhell
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 1: The Return of Tyrese Haliburton
The End of an Era: How the Pacers Broke the Bucks
So, What’s Next? Mapping Out the Pacers Offseason Post Lottery
The Reaction to the Reaction: All is Not Lost Pacers Nation
Cue the Sadness: Pacers Fall Out of the Top 4 (LIVE REACTION SHOW)
The WAY TOO EARLY 2027 Eastern Conference Power Rankings
Top 10 “Must-Do” Priorities of the Pacers Offseason
Top-4 Pick Trade Ideas - And Why the Pacers Should Probably Keep It (If They Get It)
Pacers Report Card Series – Part 3: The Centers (No Longer by Committee)
Pacers Report Card Series – Part 2: The Forwards and Wings
Pacers Report Card Series - Part 1: Breaking Down the Guards
Sunday State of the Pacers: 2 Weeks Away From the NBA Draft Lottery!
Pacers THIS or THAT! Breaking Down Pacers Potential Roster Moves
State of the Pacers: Odds Secured, Injuries Avoided, and the Offseason Begins

Ep 380Pacers Win BIG in Chicago: 49 Assists and a Tanking Dilema
The Pacers put together one of their most complete performances of the season in a win over Chicago, powered by elite ball movement and a true team effort. Indiana racked up 49 assists—the second-most in franchise history—including an incredible 30 in the first half, while extending their record to 9 straight games with 30+ assists. Simply put, the ball was flying. Pascal Siakam set the tone early, while Ben Sheppard caught fire in a stunning stretch that helped break the game open. The bench and two-way players stole the spotlight as well, with Ethan Thompson dropping a career-high 24 points and Jalen Slawson filling up the stat sheet in a do-it-all performance. It was a big win—and the Pacers have now taken 3 of their last 5—but it also raises a bigger question…Are they winning themselves out of better lottery odds? With Indiana now just 1.5 games out of 4th in the tank standings, we break down what this stretch means, whether the momentum is sustainable, and the ongoing tension between development, winning, and draft positioning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 379Sunday State of the Pacers: Finding Momentum Down the Stretch of the Season
After a week that finally gave fans something to feel good about, the Pacers are starting to show real signs of life. Indiana picked up two wins behind a surging offense that looks more like what we expected coming into the season. Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and T. J. McConnell all stepped up in a big way, each playing some of their best basketball of the year and helping drive a much-needed offensive rhythm. We also got the return of Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, adding another layer of energy to an already encouraging stretch. In this episode, we break down what’s fueling the offensive turnaround, highlight the standout performances, and discuss whether this is something the Pacers can actually build on moving forward. Finally… some winning basketball in Indiana—and plenty to unpack. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 378Slow Start, Strong Fight: Pacers Fall to Luka & Lakers Despite Nembhard’s Career Night
In this solo episode, Brad breaks down a high-energy night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers fall 137–130 to the Lakers in a game packed with star power and storylines. From LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the Lakers, to Caitlin Clark and CJ Miles in the building, to T.J. McConnell’s birthday and Tyrese Haliburton’s return to the bench, the stage was set for a big night in Indy. But the Pacers dug themselves an early hole, turning the ball over four times before even attempting a shot, while the Lakers exploded for 45 first-quarter points to take early control. To Indiana’s credit, they battled back behind a career night from Andrew Nembhard, who dished out a career-high 19 assists, and an ultra-efficient scoring performance from McConnell. The Pacers made multiple pushes to get back into it, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Luka’s 43-point performance as the Lakers held on late. A fun night, a competitive finish — but another loss for the Pacers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 377Streak Snapped: Siakam Leads Pacers to First Win Since the All-Star Break!
After 41 long days, the Pacers are back in the win column. Indiana snaps its franchise-record 16-game losing streak with a gritty 2-point victory over the Orlando Magic, finally breaking through in a game that, while not critical to the standings, meant everything to a team that’s been grinding through a tough stretch. Pascal Siakam led the way with a brilliant 37-point performance, capped off by a game-winning block on Paolo Banchero. Aaron Nesmith caught fire in the second half, pouring in 19 points while knocking down 5-of-8 from deep, and Andrew Nembhard delivered once again with 14 assists and a clutch left-wing dagger late. The supporting cast showed up in a big way as well, with strong contributions from Jarace Walker, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin, helping lift Indiana to its first win since the All-Star break. We break down how the Pacers finally got it done, highlight the standout performances, and talk about what this win means as the season winds down. Even with the victory, Indiana still holds a narrow lead in the tank standings, balancing development with draft positioning. The games may not carry postseason weight — but this one felt good. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 376Sunday State of the Pacers: The Streak Hits 16 & Zubac Shut Dow
It’s the fifth installment of Sunday State of the Pacers, and the losses continue to pile up. Indiana drops three more games this week to the Knicks, Trail Blazers, and Spurs, extending their franchise-record losing streak to 16 straight. It’s been a difficult stretch, and this week brought another tough blow with Ivica Zubac ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a fractured rib. As challenging as this run has been, we do our best to find the silver linings — highlighting individual performances, moments of growth, and what can still be learned during this final stretch of the season. We also look ahead to a busy four-game week that features some intriguing storylines, including the potential return of Benn Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, along with matchups against the Magic, Lakers, and Heat. The results haven’t been there, but the evaluation continues — and we break it all down on this week’s Sunday State of the Pacers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 375Record Skid in MSG: Pacers Drop 14th Straight + “Stay or Go” with Alex Golden
The Pacers losing streak reaches historic territory as Indiana falls to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, dropping their 14th straight game and setting a new franchise record. It was a tough night defined by the possession battle, with New York grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and attempting 15 more shots than the Pacers — a gap Indiana simply couldn’t overcome. There were a few bright spots, including Ivica Zubac, who continues to make a strong impression as he settles into the lineup, while questions persist around Jarace Walker and his role moving forward. This episode is a crossover with Alex Golden of Setting The Pace, and as always, it’s a great conversation breaking down the current state of the team. To close things out, we have some fun with a game of “Should He Stay or Should He Go,” debating which players should be part of the Pacers future heading into next season. A tough result on the floor, but a fun episode you won’t want to miss. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 374Sunday State of the Pacers: The Zubac Era Begins + Nesmith and Obi Find Some Rhythm
EIt’s the fourth installment of Sunday State of the Pacers, and this week featured a busy stretch with four games as Indiana faced the Kings, Suns, Knicks, and Bucks. The Pacers went 0–4 on the week, but several of those games were competitive well into the final minutes. Ultimately, late-game defensive breakdowns and a lack of timely shot making proved to be the difference as Indiana struggled to close games out. There were still some bright spots. Aaron Nesmith continued his strong run of play, delivering another productive week, and fans got their first look at Ivica Zubac in a Pacers uniform, adding an intriguing new element to the lineup as he works his way into the rotation. We break down the key performances from the week, discuss the defensive issues that continue to surface late in games, and examine where the roster stands as the season enters its final stretch. We also look ahead to the week to come, with Indiana heading back on the road to Madison Square Garden, returning home to face Portland, and wrapping up the week in San Antonio. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 373Tank Bowl in Sacramento: Pacers Lose the Game, Win the Tank
EThe Pacers and Kings met in Sacramento in what could only be described as the “Tank Bowl” — a matchup between the two teams battling for the worst record in the league. By the final buzzer, Indiana may have lost the game, but they “won” the Tank Bowl, taking over the worst record in the NBA as a result. There were still some bright spots on the floor. Aaron Nesmith broke out of his recent slump in a big way, erupting for a career-high 24 points in the first half and finishing the night with 29. Obi Toppin delivered his best performance since returning from injury, and Kam Jones flirted with a near double-double in another encouraging showing. But once again, Indiana’s defensive struggles proved too much to overcome. The Pacers surrendered 72 points in the second half, continuing a troubling trend that has defined much of this recent stretch. We break down the Tank Bowl, highlight the individual standouts, and discuss what this result means for the Pacers as the season winds down. Plus, we touch on Bam Adebayo’s stunning 83-point explosion that surpassed Kobe Bryant’s legendary 81-point game, and the potential return of Ivica Zubac to the Pacers lineup later this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 372Sunday State of the Pacers: West Coast Woes and the Upcoming “Tank Bowl”
It’s the third installment of Sunday State of the Pacers, and this week we’re breaking down a tough stretch of games on Indiana’s west coast swing. The Pacers faced the Clippers, Lakers, and Trail Blazers in a week that featured reunion moments, a superstar scoring explosion, and continued defensive struggles. Former Pacers Benn Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson matched up against Indiana for the first time since the trade to Los Angeles, while Luka Dončić delivered a massive 44-point performance during the Lakers matchup. Meanwhile in Portland, the Pacers hung tough before a decisive 25–7 run just before halftime created a deficit they ultimately couldn’t overcome. We highlight the top individual performers for Indiana this week, discuss the defensive issues that continue to surface, and talk about what these games revealed about the roster as the team pushes through the final stretch of the season. Then we look ahead to the week to come as the Pacers close out their road trip in Sacramento in what could be dubbed the “Tank Bowl” — a matchup between the two teams at the top of the lottery standings. After that, Indiana returns home for games against Phoenix and the Knicks. All that and more in this week’s Sunday State of the Pacers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 371Familiar Faces, Same Problems: Mathurin Shines as Pacers Defense Struggles Again
EFor the first time since the blockbuster deadline deal, the Pacers faced the Clippers after sending Benn Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson to Los Angeles in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown. Zubac still hasn’t suited up for Indiana, but the former Pacers made their presence felt immediately. Mathurin delivered a vintage scoring performance, attacking the rim, living at the free throw line, and finishing +32 in just 22 minutes. Jackson added his best game yet in a Clippers uniform, bringing energy and production against his former team. Meanwhile, Indiana’s defensive struggles continued as they allowed 130+ points for the fifth time since the All-Star break. We break down the emotional return for the former Pacers, what Mathurin’s night says about the trade, why Indiana once again looked overmatched, and how injuries and lineup instability continue to make wins hard to come by. With the Pacers still searching for their first win after the All-Star break, the slide toward the bottom of the standings continues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 370Stock Up or Stock Down? Tracking the Pacers Current Roster Trends
EWith 21 games remaining in what’s largely become a “lost” season, it’s officially evaluation time in Indiana. In this episode, we conduct a full roster stock report — breaking down every single Pacers player and where their value stands today. Who’s trending up and building a real case to be part of the long-term core? Who’s holding steady but still has questions to answer? And whose stock is quietly slipping as the franchise shifts its focus toward the draft lottery? Wins may not be the priority down the stretch, but development absolutely is. From young rotation pieces to deep-bench contributors and two-way players fighting for opportunity, we examine what these final 21 games truly mean for individual growth and the future direction of the organization. This isn’t about box scores. It’s about trajectory, role clarity, scalability, and who fits when the Pacers are ready to compete again.Every player. Every trend. Stock up or Stock down? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 369Sunday State of the Pacers: The Tank Rolls On & The Trip Heard Around the League
EOn this Sunday State of the Pacers, Brad and Ryan recap another tough week with losses to the 76ers, Hornets, and Grizzlies. The defense struggled and the offense couldn’t keep up, adding to the post All-Star break slide. The clear bright spot was Micah Potter, who had a strong week averaging 20 pts & 5 rbs off the bench, and rookie Kam Jones recorded a double-double on Sunday to round out a solid honorable mention. Looking ahead, the Pacers hit the road for a challenging West Coast trip against tough competition. The Benn Mathurin Bowl will kick things off on Wednesday before tough matchups against the Lakers and Blazers. We close with our usual dose of NBA delusion—Lu Dort, lying for no reason LeBron James, and why there should be some optimism from Pacers fans around recent players returning from Achilles injuries. It’s all here in your weekly State of the Pacers! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 368Obi Returns! Defense Not So Much: Kon Breaks Rookie 3PT Record in Pacers 5th Straight Loss
On this episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan recap Indiana’s 109-133 home loss to Charlotte on Feb 26 – their fifth straight defeat post-All-Star break, dropping to 15-45 on the season.Obi Toppin returned from stress fracture surgery with a warm ovation and early impact, but the defense collapsed again, allowing 130+ points for the 4th straight contest. Charlotte looked legit, extending a franchise-best 9-game road win streak to improve to 29-31. Rookie Kon Knueppel broke the NBA rookie single-season 3-point record (207th made) en route to 28 pts on 8-12 from deep, while Brandon Miller dropped 33. The Pacers’ offense stalled out early with a 12 point 2nd quarter, looking disjointed and unable to stop the bleeding. The brothers discuss Obi’s ramp-up, the ongoing defensive woes, Charlotte’s East rise, and the tank rolling on. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 367Four Straight Since the ASB: Carlisle Talks Sanctions & the Tank Rolls On
The Pacers drop their fourth straight since the All-Star break, falling at home to the 76ers and surrendering 130+ points for the third time in that span. Earlier in the day, Rick Carlisle addressed the league’s recent sanctions and the injury investigation surrounding Aaron Nesmith, offering insight into how the organization is navigating both scrutiny and a mounting injury list. With Pascal Siakam sidelined due to a wrist injury and Johnny Furphy undergoing ACL surgery, the roster continues to thin while the losses pile up. Off the court, SVP of Player Personnel Ryan Carr departs for a GM role at Indiana University, adding another layer to a turbulent stretch. The lone bright spot on the night was a career performance from Micah Potter, but the bigger picture remains clear: the tank rolls on. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 366Sunday State of the Pacers: Tank Commanders Unite
The Pacers are 0–3 coming out of the All-Star break, including two rough road losses to the Wizards, and suddenly the tank promoters are feeling very validated. Indiana now sits firmly in the 2nd slot of the inverse standings — so is this a skid… or a strategy? We kick off our first episode in a new series we are calling “Sunday State of the Pacers” breaking down: What’s actually gone wrong in the three-game slide Whether the tank narrative is gaining real momentum Injury updates on TJ, Aaron, Obi, & Zu Pascal Siakam’s return from personal reasons And why we’re OK with “entertaining losses” GOAT of the Week: Jarace “Karate” Walker 16 PTS | 12 REB | 6 AST on 31 minutes a night — is this the leap we’ve been waiting for? Heat Check: Kobe Brown Career high Sunday and shooting 58% from deep (13/7 splits) — real rotation piece going forward? We preview the week ahead and what we will be watching for as the Pacers round out the home stand against Philly, Charlotte, and Memphis this week! We cover it all here on the inaugural Sunday State of the Pacers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 3650 and Two-ahhh! Pacers Drop 2 Straight in DC as Tank Talk Continues to Heat Up
EIn this “0 and Two-ahhh” episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan break down the very tanky post-ASB back-to-back losses in DC to the Wizards, dropping Indy to the 2nd-worst record league-wide. Tank haters are coming out in full force, but the youth showed flashes: Jarace Walker near triple-double territory, Jay Huff’s offensive outburst, Taelon Peter’s career high, and Ben Sheppard’s sneaky solid contributions. We talk about what can actually be taken away from these 2 games, celebrate the young guys stepping up, note the boosted top-4 pick chances, and react to Adam Silver/Shams signaling offseason anti-tanking tweaks. Apologies for the technical difficulties on this episode, but appreciate Pacers Nation hanging in there with us, as always! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 364Back from the Break: Pacers Return vs. Wizards B2B – Final Tanking Takes (Cuban & KP Weigh In)
EIn this “Return to Basketball” episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan gear up as the Indiana Pacers resume action with a back-to-back starting Thursday in DC against the Wizards—post-All-Star break edition! We give our final thoughts on the NBA tanking narrative: Mark Cuban’s viral X manifesto defending/embracing tanking (with his Mavericks history), Kevin Pritchard quote-tweeting it and polling Pacers fans on their stance, plus Rick Carlisle’s comments on the fine and his plan for working Ivica Zubac into the lineup. Pacers were back at practice this week—first injury report for the Wizards game drops Siakam out (personal reasons) and Zubac still sidelined (ankle sprain, no debut yet). We close out a jam-packed episode talking pure delusion with Kevin Durant’s latest burner account drama. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 363All-Star Weekend Recap: Silver Doubles Down on Delusion, Siakam Solid, New Format Saves the Weekend
In this All-Star Weekend recap episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan break down the action from Intuit Dome! Pascal Siakam represented the Indiana Pacers proudly on Team World, holding his own in the new USA vs. World round-robin format. Adam Silver doubled down on tanking concerns, calling it worse than recent memory and hinting at big remedies ahead. The dunk contest was a total dud, but the new All-Star Game format had players buying in big: Wemby set the early tone, Kawhi Leonard exploded for 31 points to thrill the home crowd and advance USA Stripes, and games stayed competitive… until Ant Edwards and the young USA Stars ran the veteran “OGs” (USA Stripes) off the floor in the final as Ant-man won his first All-Star Game MVP. We recap everything from the weekend that was in Los Angeles. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 362Pacers Fined $100K for Siakam Rest vs. Jazz – Adam Silver’s Tanking Warning & Continued Hypocrisy
In this quick reaction episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan dive headfirst into the NBA’s $100,000 fine against the Indiana Pacers for violating the Player Participation Policy in the Feb. 3 home loss to the Utah Jazz. Pascal Siakam was rested on the second night of a back-to-back, with other starters sidelined—despite the league’s investigation (including an independent physician) concluding they could have played under reduced minutes. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver didn’t hold back: “Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games.” We break down the fine, Silver’s pointed statement, and the glaring hypocrisy—why hammer load management/rest when the league turns a blind eye to foul-baiting stars like Jalen Brunson and SGA, or reckless/dirty play from Draymond Green and Lu Dort that actually endangers players? We get into all of it and tease a little bit around the All-Star weekend ahead. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 361Part 1: Pacers Post Up x Setting the Pace Crossover! Nets Recap, Zubac Trade Grades, Furphy ACL Fallout & MORE!
In Part 1 of this special 2-part crossover episode, Brad and Ryan are joined by Alex Golden from Setting the Pace! We kick off the 2026 All-Star Break with a quick recap of the Pacers gritty win over the Nets, share our collective thoughts on the blockbuster Ivica Zubac (and Kobe Brown) trade from the Clippers, and discuss Johnny Furphy’s season-ending ACL tear opening up minutes for newly acquired Kobe Brown. Then we dive into the buzzing NBA expansion talks—two new teams potentially coming, with existing franchises protecting just 8 players—who would the Pacers lock in? We wrap with the biggest remaining holes on this roster after the deadline. Be sure to catch Part 2 over on Setting the Pace! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 360Injury Update: Johnny Furphy’s Torn ACL Confirmed – Another Heartbreaker for the Pacers
In this emergency injury update episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan break down the heartbreaking news rocking the Indiana Pacers: second-year forward Johnny Furphy has suffered a torn right ACL. Per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Furphy underwent an MRI in New York today after awkwardly landing following a dunk in Sunday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors. The results confirmed the tear, sidelining the promising Aussie swingman for the remainder of this already injury-ravaged season. This is yet another devastating blow for a Pacers team that’s been decimated by injuries. We discuss what Furphy’s absence means for the lineup, his breakout flashes this year, the mounting frustration in Indy, and whether this cursed season can find any silver lining. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 359NBA Lottery Math & Why the Pacers Pick Just Got WAY More Interesting
EThe Pacers first-round pick is officially on the line — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode, we take a full deep dive into the NBA Draft Lottery and what it means for Indiana’s future. With a top-4 protected pick, spots 5–9 heading to the Clippers, and 10–30 staying in Indy, every loss (and win) down the stretch matters. Miss the protection window this year, and the cost jumps to an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. We break down:how the NBA Draft Lottery actually works, The Pacers current lottery position and exact odds from every slot, what finish gives Indiana the best chance to land in the top 4, and just how tantalizing a shot at a loaded draft class could be — featuring names like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. This is the math, strategy, and reality check behind one of the most important Pacers picks in years that all the sudden just got WAY more interesting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 358Zubac Trade: The Final Word on Benn & the Pacers Next Chapter
EWe take a deeper dive on the Ivica Zubac trade and close the book on the Bennedict Mathurin era in Indiana. In this episode, we make our last, clearest case for why this deal had to happen — why moving Benn was necessary, and why the Pacers ultimately nailed the timing and the return. We break down Zubac’s fit on both ends of the floor, how his physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence immediately change the identity of this team, and why having a bona fide starting center unlocks everything the Pacers want to be. With a legitimate defensive anchor in place and a potential top-4 pick looming, we zoom out and talk about where this franchise is headed next season — and why this move signals the Pacers are not just flirting with the future, but are ready to push their chips in and win now. This one is about clarity, conviction, and the start of the Pacers next real window. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 357All In: Pacers Land Ivica Zubac in a Franchise-Defining Deadline Move
EThe Pacers just pushed every chip to the center of the table. Indiana lands Ivica Zubac in what can only be described as a home-run, win-now trade by Kevin Pritchard. Giving up Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first, the 2029 first, and a Dallas 2028 second isn’t cheap — but this is the exact type of swing championship teams have to make. Zubac brings elite size, physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence — everything this roster has been missing in the postseason. An All-NBA caliber defender last season, he instantly stabilizes the paint, changes matchups, and unlocks Indiana’s ceiling over the next few years. Big risk. Bigger belief. Kudos to Kevin Pritchard for getting his guy and officially putting the Pacers in championship mode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 356Pascal the All-Star, Trade Dominoes Begin to Fall, Pacers Drop 2 at Home
EIt was a busy and telling stretch at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers navigated back-to-back home games — and watched the trade landscape begin to shift around the league. The week starts with Pascal Siakam earning his spot as an NBA All-Star, a deserved recognition for being the steady anchor through a season filled with change. On the floor, Indiana runs into a physical Houston Rockets squad whose size proved overwhelming — dominating the Pacers on the glass and at the free-throw line in a close loss on Monday night. The follow-up against the Utah Jazz told a very different story. With Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin all resting, the Pacers leaned heavily on their young core. Despite the loss, the young guys showed real flashes — energy, shot-making, and defensive activity — offering optimism in a night focused more on development than results. Brad and Ryan also zoom out to discuss the first trade dominoes beginning to fall around the league, what it could mean for Indiana as the deadline approaches, and how the Pacers fit into an increasingly active market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 355From Question Marks to Confidence: The Rise of Jarace “Karate” Walker
EWhat started as an AI autocorrect gaff has turned into a running joke — and now, maybe something more. Brad and Ryan lean into the accidental nickname Jarace “Karate” Walker while breaking down the very real rise of Jarace Walker after an incredibly rough start to the season. Once written off by much of Pacers Nation, Jarace has quietly emerged from the ashes with a stretch of play that’s changing the conversation. Over the last month, the numbers — and the film — are finally lining up. The three-point shooting looks real, the turnovers are down, and his defensive impact is starting to pop, highlighted by his ninja-like hands (hence “Karate”) and a five-steal performance against Atlanta. Is this a real breakthrough? A sign of long-term growth? Maybe it’s just the beginning of what the Pacers hoped they were getting all along. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 354Deadline Dominoes: Where the Pacers Fit in the NBA Trade Picture
EWith the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Brad and Ryan zoom out to survey the league — and then zoom back in on where the Indiana Pacers fit into the chaos. The conversation starts with the biggest potential domino of them all: Giannis Antetokounmpo — and what ripple effects a shift at the top could create across the association. From there, we work our way through other notable names and situations to monitor, separating real possibilities from noise. For Indiana, the focus sharpens around two key questions: Which centers might realistically be available — and at what cost? And does Bennedict Mathurin ultimately get moved before next Thursday’s deadline as the Pacers weigh value, fit, and timing? Big-picture league movement, Pacers-specific angles, and how everything could connect once the first domino falls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ep 353Fourth-Quarter Surge: Pacers Erase 14-Point Deficit vs Bulls
EFor most of the night, it felt like another quiet, forgettable performance. Then everything flipped. The Indiana Pacers erase a 14-point deficit with a stunning 26–9 run to close the game, storming past the Chicago Bulls at home for win No. 12 on the season — their third victory over Chicago this year. Pascal Siakam led the charge with 13 points in the fourth quarter, while Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith delivered clutch shot-making when it mattered most. On the defensive end, Johnny Furphy and Nesmith made key stops down the stretch to seal the comeback. A game that looked destined to fade away turned into one of the Pacers most exciting finishes of the season — effort, execution, and belief showing up right on time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.