Indiana Fever Playoff Preview

***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.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back for another episode of the Fever Focus Podcast, and with only four games remaining in the regular season, there is A LOT to watch for as the Indiana Fever prepare for the playoffs.The guys start the show by celebrating Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Stephanie White winning gold with Team USA at the FIBA Women's World Cup. What did the experience mean for Clark and Boston, and what can they take away from playing on the biggest international stage as they return to Indiana?Then, it's time to dive into the biggest storyline of the final four games: PLAYOFF STANDINGS WATCH.The Fever and Atlanta Dream enter the final stretch with identical 26-14 records, but Atlanta owns the tiebreaker. That puts enormous pressure on Indiana to finish the season strong if the Fever want to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs.But it's not as simple as just winning out.Alex and Casey sift through the different scenarios still in play, what needs to happen for Indiana to move ahead of Atlanta, how much room for error the Fever actually have and just how important home court could be once the postseason begins.After breaking down the standings, the guys turn their attention specifically to the Fever and what they need to see over these final four games.Casey unveils his "3 R's" that he'll be monitoring as Indiana transitions from the World Cup break back into regular-season basketball and prepares for what it hopes will be a deep playoff run.What needs to improve? What needs to carry over? And what could these final four games tell us about how prepared the Fever really are for postseason basketball?Finally, Alex and Casey preview what's coming next for Fever Focus as the regular season winds down and the playoffs quickly approach.Four games. Home-court advantage on the line. And everything still to play for. 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 Pacers Player Preview Series, and this time the guys turn their attention to two wings with very different expectations heading into the season: Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kobe Brown.First up is Oubre, one of Indiana's biggest additions of the offseason.Alex and Facci dive into what Oubre brings to this Pacers roster, where he fits into Rick Carlisle's rotation and why his combination of size, athleticism, defense and scoring could make him such an important piece for a team with championship aspirations.What should his role look like? How much will Indiana ask him to score? What does he add defensively? And what would a successful first season in a Pacers uniform look like?The guys lay out their expectations, discuss what they want to see from Oubre and make their official stat predictions for his first year in Indiana.Then, Alex and Facci shift their attention to Kobe Brown. After showing some intriguing flashes with the Pacers last season, Brown returns on a two-way contract with another opportunity to prove he belongs in Indiana's long-term plans.What does Brown need to show this season? Is there a path to legitimate NBA minutes on a deep Pacers roster? And what parts of his game could give him a chance to eventually become a regular rotation piece?To close out the show, Alex and Facci put a bow on the last four players they've previewed—Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kobe Brown—with a round of rapid-fire questions.The guys make some tough choices, compare the four players, discuss their biggest questions and expectations for the group, and finally hand out an overall letter grade for this collection of Pacers guards and wings.Another four players are officially in the books as the eight-part Player Preview Series rolls on! 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 today they turn their attention to Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard—two guards entering very interesting seasons for completely different reasons.First up is Nembhard.After taking on significantly more responsibility with Tyrese Haliburton out last season, Nembhard now has to transition back into playing alongside Indiana's star point guard. So, what does his role look like with Haliburton back in the lineup?Alex and Facci discuss how Nembhard has improved over the last few seasons, what he showed with an expanded role last year and how the Pacers can utilize those improvements without asking him to be the primary ball handler every night.How frequently should Nembhard run the offense? Can taking some of the playmaking responsibilities off Haliburton actually make Indiana more dangerous? And what should the next step look like for Nembhard on both ends of the floor?The guys share what they want to see from Drew this season, set expectations for his role and make their official stat predictions.Then, it's time for Ben Sheppard, who enters arguably the most important season of his young career.Sheppard is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract, but with everyone healthy, he could begin the season outside Rick Carlisle's 10-man rotation.So how does Sheppard force his way back into the mix?Alex and Facci discuss what Sheppard needs to improve, where his opportunities could come from, what it will take to earn consistent minutes and how his role this season could impact his chances of earning his next NBA contract.It's another edition of the Pacers Player Preview Series with roles, expectations, goals and stat predictions for Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.