Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Where do Aaron Nesmith & Bennedict Mathurin Rank Amongst the other Starting Wings in the East? Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Today, Alex Golden and Mike Facci discuss Facci's big weekend, where he put on his cape and became Super Dad for his daughter Maddie playing a carnival game. Then, the guys get into the weeds and look at the starting wings (shooting guards and small forwards) in the Eastern Conference.

Alex and Facci rank from 1-15 each wing duo in the East and explain why they ranked Nesmith and Mathurin in the position they did against the other duos for the 2025-2026 season. They pulled data from NBA 2k26 for rankings and used a variety of websites to determine who was projected to be the starting shooting guard and small forward of each team.

Here is a list of the duos that were ranked by NBA 2K26:

Hawks: 81.5 | Daniels - 83 + Risacher - 80

Celtics: 88.5 | White - 87 + Brown - 90

Nets: 81 | Thomas - 80 + Porter Jr - 82

Hornets: 81 | Sexton - 80 + Miller - 82

Bulls: 79.5 | White - 83 + Huerter - 76

Cavs: 86.5 | Mitchell - 93 + Hunter (Strus hurt) - 80

Pistons: 80 | Ivey - 79 + Ausar - 81

Pacers: 80 | Mathurin - 79 + Nesmith - 81

Heat: 83 | Herro - 86 + Wiggins - 80

Bucks: 77 | Trent Jr - 77 + Kuzma - 77

Knicks: 82.5 | Hart - 81 + Bridges - 84

Magic: 84.5 | Bane - 83 + Wagner - 86

76ers: 79 | McCain (could be Edgecomb) - 80 + Oubre Jr - 78

Raptors: 83 | Barrett (Could be Dick) - 82 + Ingram - 84

Wizards: 79.5 | McCollum - 81 + Coulibaly - 78

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Where Does Andrew Nembhard Rank Amongst the other Starting Point Guards in the East? Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Mike Facci discuss their fantasy football teams and Tyrese Haliburton making his first appearance on a basketball court since his Achilles injury in June. Haliburton posted a video of himself shooting free throws with assistant coach, Isaac Yacob rebounding.

Then, Alex and Facci rank all 15 starting point guards in the Eastern Conference. The guys compare their rankings to how NBA 2k26 had their point guards rated. The guys had similar lists once again, with a couple of differences that caused for a good debate...but the real question is, where did the guys land on Nembhard for starting point guards in the East this season. The guys also discuss where Haliburton would be ranked if healthy and where the NBA 2k ratings had Tyrese in the East.

Players that we ranked against Nembhard: Trae Young (Hawks), LaMelo Ball (Hornets), Bub Carrington (Wizards), Davion Mitchell (Heat), Jalen Suggs (Magic), Immanuel Quickley (Raptors), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Payton Pritchard (Celtics), Tyson Etienne (Nets), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Kevin Porter Jr. (Bucks), Darius Garland (Cavaliers) and Josh Giddey (Bulls).

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Pascal & Jarace Unite in Orlando, Furphy's Opportunity + an NBA Mascots Draft Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Alex Golden is joined by Gentry Hudson to discuss Pascal Siakam and Jarace Walker working out together in Orlando, Johnny Furphy's upcoming opportunity next year, the addition of Jay Huff and whether or not him or Isaiah Jackson will get the starting 5 spot, Gentry's love for James Wiseman and pitching a potential partnership between the Indiana Pacers, TJ McConnell, Tinker Coffee and Setting The Pace.

In Segment 2, the guys dive into the most offseason topic...ever! NBA Mascots! The guys draft 6 players each in a snake draft, discussing these incredible NBA mascots and what makes them so unique.

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Yes or No to Bam Adebayo as a Pacer? Jimmy Butler vs. Tyrese + Chris Copeland's obsession to Meatloaf? w/ Wesley Roth Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Alex Golden is joined by our fan of the week, Wesley Roth, to discuss the Indiana Pacers and so much more! We learn about Chris Copeland's obsession with a menu item at Wesley's former employer, who would make for a better WWE heel: Jimmy Butler or Tyrese Haliburton, Why Wesley hates Alex's idea of trading for Bam Adebayo, and where he sees the Pacers falling into place in the Eastern Conference.

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Who steps up this year to show they will be a vital part of the Pacers from 2026-27 and beyond? (Mailbag Pt. 4) Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Alex Golden and Mike Facci answer the final bunch of August Mailbag Questions:

1). Kevin Cheney

Who is more of a priority in the long term for this roster, Nesmith or Nembhard?

2). Chuck & Jamie

Hot take: not re-signing James Johnson for a season with no Ty and no Myles is going to be a mistake and have a significant impact on the locker room.

Question: given there’s a chance that Tyrese may never be the same version of himself, causing the style to potentially not be able to be the same, is it worth exploring other styles of play this year with the different personnel they have? (ie Mathurin, Siakam, Jarace)

3). Nate Did Not

Hot Take: James Wiseman will be better than Turner if he can stay healthy…..no this is not because #3 for the Bucks left at all, it’s because James has crazy potential and just needs to stay healthy.

4). DJ Davis

Who steps up this year to show they not only belong in the NBA but with the Pacers and will be a vital part of the Pacers from 2026-27 and beyond?

5). Nick Ogren

Hot take: Jarace Walker puts it together and will be a NBA All-Star in 4 years at the age of 25. His combination of explosive athleticism, brute strength, savvy court vision, crisp handles, dynamic passing and pure shooting make him an elite wing in the East Conference.

6). Daniel Hursh

If the Pacers decide to trade Mathurin, does it make more sense to wait for the off season and do it as a sign and trade? That way it’ll be easier to match contracts since he’ll be signing for significantly more money than he currently makes.

7). James Wiseman (Really Wise ppl)

Thoughts about the Ben Sheppard fan club?

8). Nathan Drabing

What are your predictions on the Pacers upcoming OFF and DEF rankings among the league this coming season?

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Eastern Conference Standings Predictions! Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode, Alex Golden and Mike Facci share their Eastern Conference Standings Predictions. The guys start at the 15th spot and work their way up all to #1. This episode was recorded on Monday evening, before the recent news of Max Strus being sidelined for Cleveland for a few months. Let us know what your standings predictions are for the Eastern Conference in the comment section on YouTube or Twitter.

PS: Happy 33rd Birthday Alex! (yes...this is me wishing a happy birthday to myself haha)

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One Word to describe each Pacer + Johnny Carpenter joins Pacers Coaching Staff Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Alex Golden and Mike Facci kickoff the show discussing new Pacers assistant coach, Johnny Carpenter. They also discuss James Wiseman choosing #11 to wear this season and the guys play a little jersey number trivia.

Then, the guys come back after the break and come up with one word for each player. Facci took the simpler route, whereas Alex went the more complex route with much larger words. This was a fun way to discuss each player on the roster and learn more about how Alex and Facci view them.

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Pacers and Mike Weinar Part Ways + Rumored Interest in Malik Beasley Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Mike Facci talk about the latest coaching news in Indiana. Assistant coach, Mike Weinar, and the Indiana Pacers mutually agreed to part ways on Friday, August 22nd. The guys discuss why he may have departed, who could be in line to replace him and more.

Then, the fellas discuss the recent news from Brett Seigel that the Indiana Pacers have shown interest in Malik Beasley, who is now cleared legally from all gambling related charges. Would he make sense for the Pacers, what would they have to offer financially and how would he fit for this team on the current roster and long term.

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Top 10 Candidates who need a Breakout Season in the East with Bob Schmidt Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Alex Golden is joined by Bob Schmidt of Fear the Fro' Podcast to discuss 10 players in the Eastern Conference who need to have breakout years. The guys go back and forth, each discussing 5 players that need to have breakout seasons for their franchise.

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Ticket Winner Announced for Pacers-Thunder on Opening Night + Pacer Player Comps! Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Alex Golden reveals who the winner of the Free Ticket Giveaway is for Pacers-Thunder tickets on opening night! Then, Rooster joins Alex to discuss Player Comparisons for Pacers players, all the great people covering the Pacers, retelling the story of when Rooster bought Facci a Wizards jersey, this upcoming season and more!

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