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3 Opponents we'd like to see the Pacers open the 2024-25 season against

By Elie Deglaoui

May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) push each other away to intercept the ball during the second quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) push each other away to intercept the ball during the second quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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After their Eastern Conference Finals appearance last season, Indiana Pacers fans are eager to watch their team take the court again and see how they follow it up. Although the team will not look drastically different than last year's team, the Pacers should still be even better next season.

This summer, the Pacers drafted Johnny Furphy, who could play a big role for the team next season, in the second round. Additionally, they re-signed Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, who should both be even better in Indiana's system next season. The Pacers also extended Andrew Nembhard, who is fresh off a breakout postseason performance and is currently representing Canada in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Although the NBA schedule for the 2024-25 season has not been released yet, it should not be too long before we get official word on who the Pacers will face to begin their season. There are a lot of worthy opponents who could go head-to-head against the Pacers in their first game, but who are the three most intriguing teams to go up against Indiana to kick off next season?

3. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers arguably had the best offseason of any team in the NBA. This summer, the team drafted Jared McCain in the first round. Additionally, they signed veterans Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, and Eric Gordon. Furthermore, they re-signed Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. while extending Tyrese Maxey to a long-term contract.

However, easily the biggest move they made was signing former Pacers star Paul George away from the Los Angeles Clippers. Though George has not played for the Pacers since 2017, many fans are still upset over his departure.

With George back in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers will see him as an opponent a lot more often than they did in the past seven years. To be able to go up against him and the 76ers in his debut for his new team and win the game against a potential playoff opponent would be a great way for the Pacers to open up their 2024-25 season.

In addition to George, there are other Pacers players with ties to the 76ers. Guard T.J. McConnell spent the first four seasons of his career with the 76ers. Additionally, Siakam played a big part in eliminating Philadelphia in the 2019 Playoffs with the Toronto Raptors en route to his first career NBA championship.

There may be a few better opponents for Indiana to face to start next season, but hardly any Pacers fans would be upset about matching up against the 76ers on opening night.