The Indiana Pacers suffered arguably their most devastating loss in franchise history less than two months ago against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luckily for them, they will have an opportunity to exact their revenge and face their troubles during next season's opening week.
According to the NBA Communications' official X account, the Pacers and Thunder will go head-to-head on October 23 in an NBA Finals rematch.
Indiana was one game away from pulling off the upset in Oklahoma City and winning their first-ever NBA title. However, not only did they lose Game 7 in heartbreaking fashion, but they also saw their star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffer an Achilles injury early on, which will sideline him for all of next season.
Next season is going to look different for Indiana, and it remains to be seen just how competitive they will be. However, it is safe to say the team may be itching to get another shot at the Thunder, and they will not have to wait long to get that.
The Pacers are going to look very different next season
While this will technically be an NBA Finals rematch, it will not be an exact copy.
In addition to the Pacers being without Haliburton, they will also be without Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason. Because of this, Indiana's starting lineup (and subsequently, their second unit) is going to be very different compared to what they were rolling out during the NBA Finals.
As it stands, it seems like a guarantee that the Pacers will slide Andrew Nembhard over to the point and insert Bennedict Mathurin into the starting lineup at shooting guard. Furthermore, while nothing is official, it is safe to assume that the Pacers will also start Isaiah Jackson at center to help replace Turner, though he is going to be part of a committee anyway.
Furthermore, the difference in Indiana's offense is likely going to be night and day. Instead of running their fast-paced offense they have become synonymous with, the Pacers are likely going to rely a bit more on set plays in the half-court at a much slower tempo. While far from ideal, this could work for the team as it plays to Nembhard's strengths as a point guard.
Though most are anticipating a gap year for the Pacers next season, it is safe to assume the team will not look at it the same way. They have an established history of not tanking and exceeding expectations (which they did numerous times last season). Furthermore, even without Haliburton or Turner, they still have an incredibly talented roster.
Another deep playoff run next season is unlikely for Indiana. However, they have shocked the world before, and they are more than capable of doing it again. And they will have an opportunity to flip the script and get things on track against the same team that ended their championship dreams back in June.