Fever Get Crushed by Aces in Game 1

Alex Golden is joined by Tom Lewis of Indy Cornrows to break down everything they learned from a LOADED Indiana Pacers Media Day!There was no bigger storyline than Tyrese Haliburton.After missing all of last season, Tyrese made it clear that he's ready to get back on the court. Alex and Tom discuss what stood out from Haliburton's comments, the excitement surrounding his return and what his presence means for a Pacers team trying to rediscover the magic that carried it to the NBA Finals two seasons ago.Then, it's time to talk BIG ZU.Ivica Zubac discussed the process of building chemistry with Haliburton and Pascal Siakam and how their collective basketball IQ has helped accelerate that process. Zubac also shared an interesting comparison between the Pacers and the Croatian national team, pointing to the camaraderie and genuine relationships within both groups.How quickly can this new trio come together? And how will Indiana's style change going from Myles Turner to Zubac in the middle?Alex and Tom dive into the differences between the two centers and why Zubac's arrival could unlock a different version of this Pacers team.The guys also discuss Pascal Siakam's continued evolution as a leader, what they learned about newcomers Kelly Oubre Jr. and Larry Nance Jr., and how the veteran additions are already fitting into Indiana's culture.Rick Carlisle also provided some fascinating perspective on the past and present.Alex and Tom react to Carlisle reflecting on his relationships with former Pacers players and discuss the growing bond between Haliburton and Reggie Miller, bringing together two different generations of Pacers basketball.But Media Day wasn't only about what they heard.It was also about what they didn't hear.There wasn't much discussion surrounding Jarace Walker, Johnny Furphy or Ben Sheppard, raising some interesting questions about where each young player currently stands entering training camp.From Haliburton's return and Zubac's fit to Siakam's leadership, the newcomers, Carlisle, Reggie Miller and some under-the-radar storylines, Alex and Tom break down their biggest takeaways from Pacers Media Day and everything that stood out as Indiana officially begins the 2026-27 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Fever had a rough night in Las Vegas, and Casey and Alex are here to sort through what went wrong.On this episode of Fever Focus, the guys break down Indiana’s loss to the Aces, from the frustrating officiating to the bigger issues that mattered more over the course of the game. The whistle was a problem, but Las Vegas controlled the matchup in too many areas, and the Fever never found enough rhythm, defense, or scoring punch to keep pace.Topics include:The officiating and why it added to the frustration of the nightHow the Aces outplayed the Fever across the boardWhy Indiana needs more from Caitlin Clark and Kelsey MitchellThe defensive issues that made the game feel uphill from the startA’ja Wilson’s dominance and the challenge of dealing with a player who can take over so many different waysWhat the Fever have to clean up moving forwardRaven Johnson’s strong minutes and why she looks like a real young depth pieceA tough loss, a lot to fix, and a few things worth taking from it as the Fever continue through a crucial stretch.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for a fun Sunday edition of Setting The Pace, and there's plenty to discuss with Pacers Media Day officially upon us!But first, the guys react to Kelly Oubre Jr.'s first extended interview since joining the Indiana Pacers.Oubre opened up about his decision to come to Indiana, why the opportunity to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton was so appealing and what he believes he can bring to a Pacers team looking to get back into championship contention.Alex and Facci discuss Oubre's comments about his three seasons in Philadelphia, what that chapter of his career meant to him and why Indiana could be the perfect next stop for the veteran wing.Then comes one of the coolest moments from the interview.Oubre shared his connection to Reggie Miller and revealed that he actually cried watching Miller play his final NBA game. The guys react to Oubre's appreciation for the Pacers legend and what they're learning about Indiana's newest addition before he even takes the floor in a Pacers uniform.Then, it's time to turn the page to PACERS MEDIA DAY!Alex will be in the building alongside the rest of the media asking questions, so Alex and Facci go through some of the biggest things they want answered before training camp begins.What will the Pacers say about integrating Ivica Zubac alongside Haliburton and Pascal Siakam? What is Rick Carlisle's message to a team going from 19 wins to championship expectations? Will Indiana be cautious with Haliburton's workload throughout the regular season? And how will players entering contract years approach the season without new deals in place?Alex shares some of the questions he hopes to ask and Facci weighs in on what answers he's most interested in hearing as the Pacers officially begin a new season.Plus, there's a little football talk sprinkled in at the beginning and end of the show for good measure.Oubre's first comments. Haliburton's influence. A Reggie Miller story we weren't expecting. And the biggest questions heading into Pacers Media Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

***This episode was recorded before the conclusion of Thursday's game between the Valkyries and Sparks, and Aces and Mercury. The Indiana Fever are officially staring down the postseason, and Casey and Alex are here to break down what could be waiting on the other side.On this episode of Fever Focus, the guys talk through the injury concerns around Ty Harris and Aliyah Boston, then look at how the playoff picture could shake out depending on the results of tonight’s games. With the Valkyries and Aces both still in the mix as possible opponents, the question becomes less about name value and more about matchups.Topics include:The latest concerns around Ty Harris and Aliyah BostonHow tonight’s results could shape Indiana’s playoff opponentWhat a series against the Valkyries would look likeWhat a series against the Aces would look likeWhy Las Vegas is dangerous even if the Fever have played them well historicallyWhy Golden State’s style can make life so difficult for Indiana’s offenseWhether the better matchup is actually the less comfortable oneHow much star power should matter compared to scheme, pressure, and rhythmKelsey Mitchell’s historic scoring streak coming to an endIt’s a full playoff preview as Casey and Alex wait to find out who the Fever will see in Round 1. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to recap everything we learned from the Pacers' annual preseason front office press conference with general manager Chad Buchanan and assistant general manager Ted Wu.And there was A LOT to discuss.The biggest news surrounds Tyrese Haliburton, who is preparing to return after missing all of last season. What did Buchanan reveal about Haliburton's health heading into training camp? How has his body changed during his time away? And what should Pacers fans expect as Tyrese finally gets back on the floor?From there, Alex and Facci dive into Ivica Zubac and some fascinating comments from the front office about how Indiana plans to incorporate its new starting center.Does Zubac need to adjust to the Pacers, or do the Pacers need to adjust to Zubac? What does the front office believe he can add to this group, and why is Indiana still extremely confident in the massive trade that brought him to Indianapolis?The guys also discuss Kelly Oubre Jr. and what the Pacers believe their biggest offseason acquisition can bring to the rotation.Then, there's an important health update on Johnny Furphy as he continues working his way back from a torn ACL. Alex and Facci break down where Furphy is in his recovery and what his timeline could mean for Indiana's depth this season.The conversation also turns toward player development and how the Pacers plan to utilize their three two-way players. How much time will they spend developing with the Noblesville Boom? What type of roles does Indiana want them playing in the G League? And how does the organization balance development with preparing those players to contribute at the NBA level?Plus, Buchanan and Wu discuss James Johnson's return for training camp, why the organization wanted him back around this group and the impact his veteran presence can have.Finally, Alex and Facci react to what the front office had to say about Pascal Siakam's leadership and the role he has embraced inside the Pacers locker room.Training camp is almost here, and the Pacers front office just gave us plenty to discuss before things officially get underway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to put a bow on their Pacers Player Preview Series!Instead of splitting the final two installments into separate episodes, the guys combine them for one loaded finale featuring Obi Toppin, Johnny Furphy, Jay Huff and Ivica Zubac.Four completely different players. Four completely different roles. But each one has a chance to help unlock something important for this Pacers team.The guys begin with Obi Toppin, who returns to an important role off Indiana's bench. How much will playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton again help Obi? What does he need to improve? Could we see more Toppin at the small-ball five? And what does a successful season look like for one of Indiana's most important reserves?Next is Johnny Furphy, who continues working his way back from an ACL injury. The guys discuss what expectations should realistically look like for Furphy, whether he can work his way back onto the court this season and what would make this year a successful step forward in his development.Then, Alex and Facci turn their attention to Jay Huff.Huff enters the season with an opportunity to prove he can consistently handle the backup-center job. Can his outside shooting become a legitimate weapon? What does he need to do defensively? How many minutes can he earn behind Zubac? And what will determine whether Rick Carlisle trusts him every night?Finally, it's time for perhaps the most fascinating player preview of the entire series: Ivica Zubac.For the first time, Pacers fans will get to see Zubac share the floor with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. How does a traditional, physical, screen-setting and rim-running center change Indiana's offense? What can Haliburton unlock in Zubac—and what can Zubac unlock in Haliburton?The guys dive into his fit, expectations, potential production and why Zubac might be the Pacers' biggest non-health-related X-factor this season.Four players who could unlock four different elements of this team as Alex and Facci officially wrap up their 2026-27 Pacers Player Preview Series! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are BACK, and we've got some big Pacers news to discuss!JAMES JOHNSON IS BACK!After sitting out all of last season, the beloved Pacers veteran is returning to Indiana on an Exhibit 9 deal for training camp.Alex and Facci discuss why bringing JJ back makes so much sense for this group, what his leadership means inside the Pacers locker room and why getting him around the team for training camp and the preseason could be valuable even if Indiana can't immediately carry him into the regular season.Because of the Pacers' current salary situation, Johnson can't fit under Indiana's hard cap at the beginning of the season. However, once his veteran minimum becomes prorated enough, the Pacers could potentially bring him back beginning November 5.So…is this essentially a preview of what's eventually coming?Then, the guys turn their attention to some movement around the NBA that could have an impact on Indiana.A former Pacer is on the move after being traded from Atlanta to Charlotte, but the more interesting piece for Pacers fans is Ryan Nembhard potentially hitting the open market.Yes, Andrew's brother.Should the Pacers prioritize using their remaining roster flexibility on a proven veteran like Johnson, or should they take a swing on an intriguing young prospect like Nembhard? Alex and Facci debate what makes the most sense for a team trying to contend now while still developing talent for the future.Finally, the guys dive into a TON of recent Pacers conversation.They react to Tyrese Haliburton's revealing interview with Boardroom, his one-on-one conversation with Pacers legend Reggie Miller, and some of the recent discussion surrounding Indiana from Brian Windhorst, Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe.What are people around the NBA saying about the Pacers heading into the season? Are expectations beginning to rise again? And what stood out most from everything Haliburton had to say?James Johnson is back, another Nembhard could suddenly be available, and the Pacers are becoming a major NBA talking point again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci continue their eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series, and this episode features three forwards at completely different stages of their NBA careers: Pascal Siakam, Larry Nance Jr. and Jalen Slawson.The guys begin with Siakam, one of the leaders and most accomplished players on Indiana's roster.At this stage of his career, what can Pascal actually improve? Alex and Facci discuss what Siakam brings every single night, the importance of his leadership and how his role could evolve with Tyrese Haliburton returning and Ivica Zubac now occupying the middle.How will the Siakam-Zubac pairing work offensively? Will Pascal have more opportunities with the ball in his hands? And after everything he's already accomplished, what would another step forward actually look like?Then, it's time to discuss one of Indiana's newest additions: Larry Nance Jr.The veteran forward/center arrives with plenty of NBA experience and a strong reputation around the league, but what exactly will his role be with the Pacers?Alex and Facci discuss whether Nance can still be an everyday rotation player, how he fits as a backup forward/center and what they need to see from him to feel confident about his role on a team with championship aspirations.Finally, the guys turn their attention to Jalen Slawson, who enters the season on a two-way contract with something entirely different to prove.Slawson has shown flashes, but can he turn those flashes into a legitimate NBA future? How much time will he spend with the Pacers compared to the Boom? What areas of his game need to improve? And how close is he to proving he deserves a standard NBA roster spot?Three players. Three completely different roles.An established leader. A respected veteran joining a new team. And a young player fighting to prove he belongs.Alex and Facci break down what each player brings to the table, where each can improve, what they want to see this season and what success looks like for Pascal Siakam, Larry Nance Jr. and Jalen Slawson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for Episode 5 of their eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series, and today the focus shifts to Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker.The guys begin with Nesmith, who has developed into one of Indiana's most important two-way players. What does the next step look like for him? Can he continue to provide elite shooting while taking on difficult defensive assignments every night? And with Tyrese Haliburton back and Kelly Oubre Jr. joining the rotation, could Nesmith's role look different this season?Alex and Facci discuss what they want to see from Nesmith, what would constitute another successful season and make their official stat predictions for Indiana's starting wing.Then, the conversation shifts to one of the biggest wild cards on the entire roster: Jarace Walker.Walker enters a pivotal season with plenty still to prove. Where exactly does he fit into Rick Carlisle's rotation? Can he establish himself as the Pacers' primary backup wing? What areas of his game need to improve for him to earn consistent minutes? And just how important is this season when it comes to his long-term future in Indiana?Alex and Facci discuss the competition for minutes, what a legitimate breakout season could look like for Walker and what they need to see from him to feel confident about his future with the Pacers.Plus, the guys make their official stat predictions for both players and identify the biggest questions surrounding each of them heading into the season.Roles. Expectations. Areas for improvement. Stat predictions.The Pacers Player Preview Series rolls on with Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ESPN's Bobby Marks joins Alex Golden and Mike Facci for a loaded conversation previewing the upcoming NBA season!There was so much to discuss that the guys couldn't even get to everything on their list—but Bobby delivered plenty of insight on the Pacers, the Eastern Conference, the championship picture and some of the most fascinating teams around the league.The conversation begins with Indiana and the changing landscape of the East before diving into Atlanta's offseason additions and just how much better the Hawks could be this season. The guys also discuss the Knicks, what losing Mitchell Robinson means for New York and how that could impact the hierarchy of the conference.From there, Bobby weighs in on Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto, how long it could take Philadelphia to figure out its new-look lineup and develop chemistry, and whether the Miami Heat should legitimately be viewed as title contenders with their current roster.Then, it's time to discuss some of the league's biggest question marks.How bleak is the Clippers' future? What should we make of the Jalen Duren debacle and Detroit's offseason? Did the Pistons do enough to remain a factor in the East?The guys also head out West, where Oklahoma City and San Antonio enter the season with massive expectations. Bobby shares which teams he believes have the best chance to disrupt an OKC-San Antonio collision course and what could stand in the way of the conference's top contenders.Finally, the conversation comes back to Indiana.Where does Bobby Marks see the Pacers finishing in the Eastern Conference? How does he view their roster compared to the other contenders? And which four teams does he have reaching the Eastern and Western Conference Finals?It's a wide-ranging NBA preview with one of the league's most plugged-in analysts as ESPN's Bobby Marks joins Setting The Pace! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.