For a loss that saw the team lose Andrew Nembhard, the last healthy point guard on the regular roster, the season opener actually left me feeling optimistic. The best thing about the '24-'25 Pacers – arguably the most fun team to root for in franchise history – was their perseverance. Writing them off at any point in the season – at any point in any game, really – made fools out of the best of us. On Thursday, the '25-'26 team looked just as impossible to bury as its predecessor.
They battled the defending champs through two overtimes, scratching and clawing until they simply ran out of bodies. It was not a game you'll build game plans around. Guys were playing out of position, it was heavy on iso-ball, and shots that shouldn't have gone in tickled twine.
Another note on this: Siakam outperformed his shot quality in the opener by 12.3 percent.
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) October 25, 2025
His expected eFG% of 41.7 percent was the fourth-lowest in the 160 games he's played with the Pacers.
So, without any points guards, A LOT of really tough shot-making from him. https://t.co/kOdLyUdPkU
Regardless, the team showed all the guts, moxie, and defiance that fueled the Finals run. This year will have trying times. That seems all but guaranteed. But if the fellas can maintain this attitude and togetherness, then we have another unforgettable season to look forward to.
Trivia Sudden Death Round
We have a tie for the top spot in the trivia competition. Fullsail came back at the final moment and forced a sudden death playoff with DetlefBest. Sure, I could do a coin flip, but what fun would that be?
The quiz is open to everybody but only Detlef and Fullsail's scores will count for the competition. If it remains tied, I'll let AI decide the winner.
Here's how the standings settled otherwise:
- DetlefBest - 36 pts (tied)
- Fullsail - 36 pts (tied)
- Hoosiers47 - 35 pts
- BillyNightNight - 30 pts
- NortheastNightmare - 30 pts
- Infinityzero - 30 pts
- Life in Paradise - 30 pts
- Rubalamp - 26 pts
- Kahonu - 19 pts
- Drunkle Reg - 17 pts
- RandomPacersFan - 11 pts
The Quiz
Injury Report
Ray J is our only true point guard available tonight. Excited to see other guys step into unfamiliar roles. Sheppard and Jarace both showed some competence playmaking against the Thunder. I'm rooting to see that trend continue.
Injury Report for tonight's game in Memphis:
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 25, 2025
Johnny Furphy - Out (sore left foot)
Andrew Nembhard - Out (left shoulder strain)
Quenton Jackson - Out (right hamstring strain)
Kam Jones - Out (lower back stress reaction)
T.J. McConnell - Out (left hamstring strain)
Tyrese… pic.twitter.com/3IVMAU0Qqk
Luckily the Grizzlies are dealing with some injuries of their own, though not to their marquee players.
Santi Aldama was added to the injury report. He's questionable. Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Vince Williams all out.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 25, 2025
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 8:00 PM ET.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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