Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Latest Episodes:

REACT! Pacers Trade Rumors, New Jerseys & a Wild Play-In Prediction Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

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Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for another episode of Setting The Pace, and today they're doing something a little different!

It's time to REACT!

The guys dive into some of the latest headlines surrounding the Indiana Pacers, sharing their immediate reactions, opinions and plenty of back-and-forth on four interesting stories.

First, could the Pacers be getting new uniforms next season?

With rumors circulating about potential changes to Indiana's jerseys, Alex and Facci discuss what they'd like to see, whether the Pacers are due for a fresh look and what direction the franchise should consider.

Next, is Ben Sheppard really the Pacers' most likely trade candidate?

Bleacher Report recently identified Sheppard as the player Indiana should consider moving, sparking an interesting conversation about his future with the franchise. Should the Pacers be looking to trade him, or is there more value in keeping him around?

Then comes arguably the most controversial headline of the episode.

John Hollinger believes the Pacers could finish in the 9-10 play-in game?!

Alex and Facci react to that prediction and discuss whether Indiana is being seriously underestimated heading into the regular season. Are there legitimate reasons to be skeptical about the Pacers, or is this taking things a little too far?

Finally, the guys lighten things up with a look at the new NBA Cup courts!

What do they think of the latest designs? Which ones stand out? And how does Indiana's court compare?

Four headlines. Four different conversations. Plenty of reactions.

New uniforms, Ben Sheppard trade talk, a surprising Pacers prediction and the NBA Cup's latest designs—all on today's Setting The Pace!

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Haliburton & Zubac Gave Pacers Fans A LOT to Be Excited About Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

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Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to recap the Indiana Pacers' 114-112 overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their third preseason game!

While Indiana came up just short, there was plenty to be excited about from the first-half performances of Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac.

The biggest storyline of the night was Haliburton returning to Oklahoma City for the first time since Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. And the Pacers' franchise point guard wasted little time reminding everyone what he's capable of.

Haliburton finished with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting and added two blocks, putting together an incredibly encouraging performance in limited action.
Alex and Facci discuss what stood out about Tyrese's night, how comfortable he looked offensively and why his performance was such a positive sign as Indiana prepares for the regular season.

Then, the guys turn their attention to Ivica Zubac, who was outstanding in just 18 minutes of action.

Big Zu finished with 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting, 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals, showcasing the versatility and all-around impact he can bring to this Pacers team.

What impressed Alex and Facci the most about Zubac's performance? How is his fit with Indiana's core developing? And what does his ability to contribute in so many different ways mean for Rick Carlisle's offense?

The guys also discuss Pascal Siakam's strong first half, the overall performance of Indiana's starting group and the biggest takeaways from another competitive preseason matchup.

The Pacers may have lost in overtime, but the first-half performances from their top players gave fans plenty of reasons to feel optimistic.

Haliburton's return to OKC, Zubac's monster stat line and a deeper look at the Pacers' third preseason game—all on today's Setting The Pace!

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5 Things to Watch in Pacers Preseason Game 3 Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for another episode of Setting The Pace, and with the Indiana Pacers preparing for their third preseason game, the guys have five things they'll be watching closely!

With two preseason games in the books, we've gotten an early look at this new-look Pacers roster. But there are still plenty of questions to answer before the regular season begins.

Alex and Facci spend 40 minutes diving into five areas they want to see Indiana address in its next preseason matchup.

Who will actually suit up? With injuries and preseason availability already becoming talking points, the guys discuss which players they're hoping to see take the floor.

What's happening with the backup center rotation? Indiana has several options in the frontcourt, but how Rick Carlisle distributes those minutes remains one of the more interesting storylines.

Can Jarace Walker get more opportunities as a playmaker? The guys discuss why they want to see Jarace with the basketball in his hands and what that could reveal about his evolving role.

Will Ben Sheppard get a chance to make his case? With rotation spots up for grabs, the guys look at Sheppard's opportunities and what they want to see from him.

And finally, can the Pacers defend without fouling? Alex and Facci examine an area that needs improvement and why it will be important once the games start counting.

Five things to watch, several players with something to prove and plenty of questions still surrounding Indiana's rotation.

Get ready for Pacers preseason game No. 3 with Alex and Facci on today's Setting The Pace!

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3 Preseason Questions: Zubac's Fit, McConnell's Injury & Jay Huff's Role Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

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Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for another episode of Setting The Pace, and after two preseason games, the guys have three big questions surrounding the Indiana Pacers!

While it's still incredibly early, we've gotten our first opportunity to evaluate this new-look roster against NBA competition. Some things have been encouraging, others have raised questions, and Alex and Facci are ready to take a deeper look.

Question 1: How is Ivica Zubac fitting in with the Pacers?

The guys share their way-too-early evaluations of Big Zu through two preseason games. What has stood out about his fit in Indiana's system? What adjustments still need to be made? And how much can we realistically take away from such a small sample size?

Question 2: How concerned should we be about T.J. McConnell's injury?

With limited information available about McConnell's injury, Alex and Facci discuss the level of concern surrounding Indiana's veteran backup point guard. How important is his availability to this team, and what could his absence mean for the rotation?

Question 3: Is Jay Huff really the third-string center?

One of the more interesting developments from the first two preseason games has been Indiana's frontcourt rotation. The guys examine Huff's role, where he currently stands in the center pecking order and whether that could change before the regular season begins.

Three questions. Two preseason games. Plenty to discuss.

Alex and Facci break down the early observations, potential concerns and what they'll be watching for as the Pacers continue preparing for the regular season on today's Setting The Pace!

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Pacers Preseason Game 2 Recap: Haliburton Injury Update + Nance Debut Oct 11, 2026

Show notes

Alex Golden is joined by DCot of The Game Time Network to recap the Indiana Pacers' second preseason game and discuss everything that stood out from another entertaining night of basketball!

The Pacers came up just short after having an opportunity to tie or take the lead on the final possession, but there was plenty to take away from the game beyond the final result.

The biggest news of the night came before the action, as Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell were both out of the lineup. Rick Carlisle revealed that Haliburton suffered a minor ankle injury during Indiana's preseason opener against Minnesota.

Alex and DCot discuss the injury update, what it means for Haliburton as he works his way back into regular-season form and how the Pacers handled playing without their top two point guards.

The guys also break down Larry Nance Jr.'s Pacers debut after the veteran big man missed the team's first preseason game. What stood out about his first appearance, and how might he fit into Indiana's frontcourt rotation?

From there, the attention shifts to Pascal Siakam, who put together a strong performance, and the encouraging contributions from Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin off the bench.

Which players made the biggest impressions? What did Indiana do well? What still needs improvement? And what can we learn about the rotation after two preseason games?

Alex and DCot go back and forth on the biggest moments, individual performances and storylines from the game while looking ahead to what's next for this Pacers team.

Haliburton's ankle injury, Nance's debut, Siakam's strong night, the Walker-Toppin combination and a dramatic finish—all on today's Setting The Pace!

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The Highs, The Mids & The Lows of the Pacers Preseason Opener Ft. Bradley Knight Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Alex Golden is joined by Bradley Knight of The Pacers Post Up for a deep dive into the Indiana Pacers' first preseason game of the 2026-27 season!

After Indiana's 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alex and Bradley take a different approach to breaking down the action, separating everything they saw into three categories:

THE HIGHS. THE MIDS. THE LOWS.

First, the guys discuss everything that impressed them about Indiana's preseason debut. Which players stood out? What were the most encouraging developments? And what gave them the most confidence heading into the rest of the preseason?

Next, they dive into the mids. These are the performances, developments and observations that weren't necessarily great or terrible but deserve a closer look. What showed promise? What still needs time? And which players left them wanting to see more?

Finally, it's time for the lows.

What didn't look right in Indiana's first game? Which areas need the most improvement? And what concerns, if any, should Pacers fans have after watching this new-look roster take the floor?

Throughout the episode, Alex and Bradley go back and forth on their observations, share different perspectives and discuss what they want to see from the Pacers as the preseason continues.

The good, the average and the disappointing. Nothing is off limits!

A fun, detailed breakdown of Indiana's first preseason game with Bradley Knight on today's Setting The Pace!

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Pacers Defeat Timberwolves: Haliburton Returns, Jarace & Nesmith Shine Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to recap the Indiana Pacers' 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first preseason game of the 2026-27 season!

The biggest storyline of the night was Tyrese Haliburton making his long-awaited return to an NBA court after nearly 16 months away. And what better place for it to happen than Ames, Iowa, the home of his alma mater, Iowa State?

Alex and Facci spend plenty of time discussing Haliburton's return, what stood out about his performance and just how special it was to see Indiana's franchise point guard back on the floor in front of a passionate Cyclones crowd.

The guys then dive into the game itself, highlighting Jarace Walker and Aaron Nesmith, who stood out as two of Indiana's most impactful players. What made their performances so encouraging, and what could it mean for their roles moving forward?

Alex and Facci also break down how Rick Carlisle utilized his rotation, which players made strong impressions and what areas still need improvement as Indiana works toward the regular season.

And it wouldn't be a game in Ames without a little extra entertainment!

Braden Smith received quite the welcome from Iowa State fans, who booed the former Purdue point guard seemingly every time he touched the basketball. The guys discuss the hilarious atmosphere and some of the memorable moments from the crowd.

Haliburton's emotional homecoming, standout performances from Walker and Nesmith, early rotation takeaways and plenty of entertaining moments from Ames.

Pacers basketball is officially back, and Alex and Facci break it all down on today's Setting The Pace!

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5 Things to Watch in Pacers Preseason Opener + Steve Nash Picks Indiana Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to get you ready for the Indiana Pacers' first preseason game!

After a full week of training camp, it's finally time to see this team take the floor against another NBA opponent. Alex and Facci go through their five biggest things to watch as the Pacers begin preseason action.

What should we be looking for from the rotations? Which players have the most to prove? And what can we actually learn from the first preseason game after spending the last week hearing about everything happening behind closed doors?

The guys also discuss what this game means for Tyrese Haliburton, who gets the opportunity to return to Iowa State and play at his alma mater. After everything Haliburton has gone through to get back on the court, it's a pretty special setting for one of his first games back.

Then, Alex and Facci close out the show with some major praise for the Pacers from two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.

When asked which team outside of the Knicks he would pick to win the Eastern Conference, Nash didn't hesitate: the Indiana Pacers.

Nash explained why Indiana was both a head and heart pick for him and reflected on what he viewed as one of the NBA's great underdog stories during the Pacers' 2025 run.

Five things to watch in the preseason opener, Haliburton's Iowa State homecoming and an NBA legend buying into the Pacers' chances in the East—all on today's Setting The Pace!

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Pacers Training Camp Week 1: Biggest Takeaways Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to recap a busy first week of Indiana Pacers training camp!

With four practices officially in the books, the guys have plenty of new information to discuss as we get our first real glimpse at this year's team.

Alex and Facci discuss the encouraging early signs from Tyrese Haliburton, what we've learned about Ivica Zubac's adjustment to Pacers basketball and why Kelly Oubre Jr. continues to receive so much praise from coaches and teammates.

The guys also dive into some of the early rotation developments. Where do Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard currently stand? What have we learned about the second unit? And which young players have started turning heads behind the scenes?

Plus, the latest on Larry Nance Jr.'s injury, Braden Smith's development, the two-way players and what Rick Carlisle's early rotations could be telling us about his plans for opening night.

It's only Week 1, but we've already learned A LOT about this year's Pacers.

Alex and Facci break it all down on today's Setting The Pace!

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Pacers Fan Jam Recap: Oubre Shines + Haliburton Returns Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for another episode of Setting The Pace, and for the first time this season, we finally got to see the new-look Indiana Pacers take the court together!

The guys recap everything they saw from Pacers Fan Jam, beginning with the scrimmage and an impressive performance from Kelly Oubre Jr.

Oubre led the way with 17 points, giving Pacers fans their first glimpse of the scoring punch and energy he can bring to this roster. Ivica Zubac added 12 points and six rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton was back on the floor doing Haliburton things after his long-awaited return to action.

Alex and Facci break down the scrimmage, go through the stats and discuss what stood out from Indiana's first public action together.

Of course, there's only so much you can take away from a Fan Jam scrimmage. Nobody was going full speed, the intensity wasn't close to a regular-season game and the entire event was designed to put on a show for the fans. Still, it was a fun first opportunity to see how all of the new pieces looked alongside one another.

Then, things get interesting.

The guys pivot to the annual rookie singing and dancing competition, where Rienk Mast, Keba Keita and Braden Smith had to show off their talents in front of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd.

Who had the best performance? Who deserved to win? And, more importantly, what songs would Alex and Facci choose if they were forced to grab a microphone and sing in front of thousands of Pacers fans?

Basketball is officially back in Indiana, and the guys have plenty to discuss after a fun first look at this year's Pacers!

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