Across four games, Indiana has outscored opponents by 2.0 points per 100 possessions while playing at a 103.5 pace. Tyrese Haliburton drives both numbers, and he is listed out until an estimated November 9, with Philadelphia at Gainbridge Fieldhouse tonight.
A thin margin, honestly earned
An offensive rating of 112.8 against a defensive rating of 110.8 makes Indiana a plus-2.0 team. That has the Pacers ninth, half a game behind Cleveland for sixth and one game clear of 11th, on pace for 41-41. After last season's 19-63, a positive margin counts for something. It does not prove a winning team. One 27-point win at Brooklyn carries much of that margin, and the two losses came by 16 at home to Dallas and by 8 in Milwaukee. Four games make a sample, not an identity.
Tempo without its conductor
The 103.5 pace starts with Haliburton: 33.0 minutes, 21.8 points, 9.5 assists, 37.0 percent from three. Hoops Rumors reported he will miss time with a hamstring strain, and his left hamstring has him listed out until an estimated November 9. T.J. McConnell is listed out until an estimated October 30. Andrew Nembhard, at 5.7 assists and 45.5 percent from deep, carries a neck issue on the report. Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files listed Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin as probable. Philadelphia plays even faster, at 104.4, and Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.8 points. Keeping the pace without Haliburton is possible. Keeping the passing that made it worth anything is the real test, and the pace number alone will not show it.
Paying tax for a short roster
Indiana's $203.7M payroll sits above the $200.4M luxury tax line. Pascal Siakam and Haliburton earn $48.9M each. Siakam is earning his share at 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 44.4 percent from three. Ivica Zubac, at $20.3M, is listed out until an estimated October 30. Ben Sheppard's left knee has him out until an estimated December 1, and Johnny Furphy's right knee until an estimated January 2. Kelly Oubre Jr. is shooting 18.8 percent from three. The bill pays for a full roster, and Carlisle has not had one. That does not make the spending a mistake. It does mean the 2029 first-round pick, already forfeited, bought less than it should have so far.
Is Tyrese Haliburton playing against the 76ers tonight?
No. Haliburton is listed out because of a left hamstring injury, and his estimated return is November 9.
Are the Pacers paying the luxury tax in 2026-27?
Their payroll is $203.7M, which puts them above the $200.4M luxury tax line. Siakam and Haliburton make $48.9M each.
