NBA's Indiana Pacers Benefit from Typical Schedule Perks, Yet Face Uncommon Away Journeys
Indiana Pacers 2025-26 NBA Schedule Unveiled
The Indiana Pacers have revealed their schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, which promises an exciting and challenging campaign. Here are some key highlights:
The Pacers will kick off the season at home on October 23 against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by a three-game road trip. This early scheduling might help the team manage travel efficiently.
Twenty teams in the league are expected to travel more than 40,000 miles this season, but the Pacers will have the distinction of traveling the fewest miles, with a total of 35,346 miles. This relatively low travel distance could provide an advantage in terms of player fatigue.
Myles Turner, who spent 10 seasons with the Pacers, will make his return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse as a member of the opposing team for the first time. Turner will use the road team locker room during the game.
Nine of Indiana's games will be broadcast nationally, including their home opener against the Thunder. Many of these games are against tough opponents, with seven of the Pacers' first 10 games coming against 2025 postseason clubs.
The Pacers will play four preseason games against Western Conference foes before the regular season begins. The team has five homestands and four road trips of the same criteria in the upcoming season.
Two of the three non-playoff squads from last season in that stretch are Atlanta and Dallas, who both improved during the summer. The Pacers open the 2025-26 season hosting the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA Finals rematch.
The schedule from January 17 through February 20 is unusual, featuring two lengthy road trips, multiple back-to-backs, and a homestand. However, the league-wide scheduling principles aim to balance rest and travel fairness for all teams, including Indiana, reducing extreme disadvantages from back-to-back games or travel burdens.
The Pacers will have the fewest instances of playing on back-to-back nights, sharing this distinction with five other teams. They will also have the fewest games with a rest disadvantage, making for a relatively manageable schedule in terms of recovery.
One of the road trips is broken up by All-Star weekend, providing a welcome break in the middle of the season. The Pacers also have a four-game stretch with consecutive games at home in the opening 10 games.
In summary, the Indiana Pacers' 2025-26 NBA schedule offers a challenging but manageable slate, with relatively moderate travel demands and a relatively low number of back-to-back games and games with a rest disadvantage. The team will face tough opponents but also has opportunities for success, particularly at home.
Sports enthusiasts and Indiana Pacers fans eagerly await the 2025-26 NBA season as the schedule for the Pacers is unveiled, promising both excitement and trials. The Pacers will commence their season at home against the defending NBA champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, marking an intriguing beginning to their sports schedule.
