Indiana

Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton’s performance was incredible, but Zubac’s numbers shouldn’t be overlooked. If this game was an indicator, he should be in for a monster season with Haliburton feeding him the ball. This stat line came in just 18 minutes, making it even more impressive. His sixth-round ADP could end up being a bargain, and he will be vital to the Pacers’ chances of making more noise in the playoffs.

This wasn’t Haliburton’s first game of the preseason, but the last time he played in a game that counted, it was in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City. Back in the same place he tore his Achilles, Haliburton was able to get off to a hot start, just like he did in Game 7. He scored all 24 of his points in the first half before sitting the entirety of the second half. He appears ready to return to being a fantasy superstar and should be one of the best picks in the second round.

One of the positives for the Pacers this preseason has been Walker’s play, as his decision-making has improved noticeably. One game removed from recording 10 assists and committing just one turnover in a win over the Timberwolves, the former lottery pick was solid in his 20 minutes against the Hawks. Coming off the bench limits Walker’s fantasy ceiling, especially in redraft leagues, but dynasty managers rostering him should be encouraged by his play this preseason.

With Tyrese Haliburton sitting out with a minor ankle injury, the Pacers inserted Oubre into the starting lineup on Saturday. The overall stat line was underwhelming, but he shot well, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. The move to Indiana limits Oubre’s fantasy ceiling because of the Pacers’ wing depth, but he may still be worth streaming at times.

Shut down for Indiana’s final five games of the 2025-26 campaign, Siakam has been a full go during the preseason. He is one of a few Pacers whose fantasy value should increase with Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Siakam averaged a career-high 24.0 points per game last season, but the Pacers’ many injuries (including his) negatively impacted the veteran forward’s efficiency. Don’t be surprised if Spicy P bounces back in a major way this season.

Haliburton looked understandably rusty from a shooting standpoint, going just 1-of-3 from three-point range, in his first game action since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against Oklahoma City. It’s probably going to take him some time to return to form after missing all of last season. This was his first live action in a game setting in nearly 500 days. Still, he showcased his usual top-notch passing and looked just fine from a physical standpoint while changing direction and driving to the basket on a couple occasions. The 26-year-old remains one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game and should be a first-round selection in all fantasy drafts this fall.

Nesmith shot nearly 78 percent from the floor, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, as the Pacers looked like a completely different operation with franchise icon Tyrese Haliburton finally back after missing all of last season with an Achilles injury. The 26-year-old wing was limited to just 45 games due to injury last year, but averaged a career-high 13.8 points per-game. That number should rise with Haliburton back running the offense and setting him up for additional open looks.

Signed to a one-year deal in early July, Nance suffered a hamstring injury a little over two weeks ago, according to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. As a result, the veteran forward/center has been limited to 5-on-0 work at the start of training camp. The Pacers hope that Nance will be fully cleared within a week or two. Once the regular season begins, he’s unlikely to have a role that will make him fantasy-relevant.

At the time of his injury, Furphy was emerging as one of the few bright spots in the Pacers’ 2025-26 campaign, having started 18 straight games and producing at a higher level. Unfortunately, the injury ended the former second-round pick’s season. Furphy, who has added strength according to Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, said recently that he’s in a good place with his rehab, but he still hasn’t been cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities. When asked for a potential timeline for that clearance, the 6-foot-9 wing was unsure. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) available, Furphy is one of the players who would benefit from the point guard’s return once he’s allowed to play. However, only dynasty league managers should be considering Furphy in drafts this fall.

Slawson finished last season out with Indiana and was productive for them during summer league this month. That was enough for them to reward the 2023 second-round pick with a two-way deal. However, with Indiana set to return to contention this upcoming season, Slawson won’t match the 23.9 minutes per game that he played during his 13 games in March and April last season.