The Pacers lost to Atlanta 119–117 on Saturday, dropping to 1–1 in preseason. Tonight they head to Oklahoma City, a place that carries considerably more baggage than your typical October exhibition.
There were useful things to take from the Hawks game. There were also some familiar defensive problems—and an unwelcome return to discussing Haliburton’s health.
First, the Haliburton update
Haliburton missed Saturday’s game after what Carlisle described as a mild tweak to his right ankle in Ames. His MRI brought encouraging results, and he returned to practice Monday without limitations. His availability for tonight was still undetermined after that session.
That’s progress, though practicing and being cleared to play are separate steps.
If he plays tonight, it would be his first game against the Thunder since the 2025 Finals, on the floor where he suffered his Achilles injury. That gives the evening some significance beyond the usual preseason concerns about conditioning and rotation combinations.
I’d like to see him get some comfortable possessions under his belt. We can leave the grand statements about closure for another time.
What happened against Atlanta
With Haliburton and T.J. McConnell out, Oubre joined the starting lineup and Nembhard moved to the point. Oubre made good use of the opportunity, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and making three of five threes.
Indiana continued to share the ball. Ten of its first twelve made baskets were assisted, with nine different players contributing a field goal. Nesmith and Braden Smith finished tied for the team lead with five assists apiece.
That’s encouraging without the player who normally organizes the whole operation. Oubre continues to look comfortable finding shots within the offense, and the passing survived the lineup changes.
Zubac also had a more productive evening. Indiana used his size in the post against Okongwu, and he finished with eleven points, five rebounds, and two assists on 4-for-6 shooting.
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about his partnership with Haliburton. Saturday offered a reminder that the other Pacers need to learn how to use him, too.
Nance joins the mix
Larry Nance Jr. made his preseason debut after recovering from his hamstring injury, contributing six points, five rebounds, and three assists. He got backup center minutes and showed some useful passing, including escaping a double-team to find Toppin for a corner three.
That adds another option to a frontcourt rotation Carlisle is still exploring.
Walker followed his ten-assist opener with ten points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Toppin scored eleven points, with four of his five made baskets coming on dunks.
Obi appears to have a fairly clear preseason development plan: arrive at the rim, then rise above it.
The less encouraging part
Atlanta had ninety-six points through three quarters. Indiana committed twenty-one fouls during those quarters, and Carlisle pointed to fouling, rebounding, and breakdowns in individual defensive rules afterward.
The Pacers also finished without an offensive rebound. Zero.
You can shoot well and move the ball beautifully, but giving the opponent extra chances makes the evening harder than it needs to be. Those are the things I’m watching tonight: staying in front, rotating on time, and ending possessions with the ball.
Tonight’s test
Oklahoma City is playing the second night of a preseason back-to-back after visiting Atlanta on Monday. The Thunder rested much of their rotation for that game, so Indiana could see a stronger group tonight. Final availability will determine how much of that test we actually get.
My priorities are fairly straightforward.
Cleaner possessions. Against pressure, I want to see the Pacers make the next available pass without rushing themselves into trouble. That applies whether Haliburton plays or Nembhard handles the starting point guard duties again.
More coordination around Zubac. His screens should create advantages. The challenge is making sure the ball handler, roller, and surrounding players recognize the same opening. Saturday gave us some productive post touches; tonight can add another layer.
A repeatable game from Walker. He has helped in different ways through two exhibitions. Another evening of rebounding, decisive passing, and sensible shots would do more for his case than one spectacular highlight.
Defense without the whistle. After Saturday, making an opponent earn its points through contested possessions would be a welcome improvement. So would collecting a few second chances of our own.
Oubre is still learning Indiana’s defensive terminology and scheme, according to Monday’s practice report, while Carlisle praised his first two games and consistent work in practice.
The new pieces are showing enough to be interesting. Now the group needs more possessions where everyone arrives at the right place together.
Prediction Competition
Another beat of the drum: make your predictions while you can.
Tonight’s details
Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET, Tuesday, October 13
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Watch: DAZN locally; NBA League Pass out of market, subject to restrictions
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan.
Two preseason games remain before the regular season. I’d like tonight to give us fewer defensive mistakes, more comfortable combinations, and—if he’s cleared—a good evening back on the floor for Haliburton.
An offensive rebound would also be nice.
What are you watching for tonight?
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