Pacers' Preseason Opener Is About Haliburton's Return and Zubac's Fit

Indiana's preseason test against Atlanta is less about the result than about Tyrese Haliburton's comeback and a new-look frontcourt.

ATL @ IND Oct 10, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTC

Any preseason game in Indianapolis carries one dominant storyline: Tyrese Haliburton is back after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals. Even in an exhibition, his return is the biggest story around the Pacers. Sources also suggest he may be eased in, so his minutes and rhythm matter more than his stat line. How quickly he regains his All-NBA form could shape Indiana's ceiling, and some rust after such a long layoff would be understandable.

The reason Indiana will watch him so closely is last season. The Pacers won only 19 games without Haliburton, and the offense looked lost at times. Rick Carlisle wants to get back to a fast, run-and-gun style, and Haliburton is the facilitator who makes that possible. Even short stretches with him orchestrating the pace should give Indiana a clearer structure than it had a year ago.

The other test is the arrival of Ivica Zubac, who gives the Pacers size, rebounding and rim finishing. He is part of a projected Big 3 with Haliburton and Siakam, but he will have to run the floor in Carlisle's system. How he fits alongside those two is the question worth watching. Jarace Walker is also worth a look. With Bennedict Mathurin gone, Indiana needs him to be a bigger wing and a scoring option.

The sources say little about Atlanta, so this pick rests on Indiana's clear reasons for optimism at home: a returning star, a new rim-protecting big and a coach pushing tempo. Expect some early rust, but I like the Pacers' structure and home setting to carry them to a narrow preseason win, 114-108.

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