Just a few days after the release of the schedule for the 2024-25 NBA season, Indiana Pacers fans were able to get a good look at who their team will play and when, now knowing exactly which dates to circle on the calendar.
Naturally, Pacers fans seem most excited to face the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics in a playoff rematch from last postseason. Additionally, they will look forward to facing old friend Domantas Sabonis with the Sacramento Kings and Paul George with the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, although the Pacers are hoping their success from last season's Eastern Conference Finals will carry over into the new season, there will certainly be some challenges in their way. Most notably, their 10-game stretch near the beginning of the season could prove to be grueling and may end up becoming a make-or-break type of stretch.
The Pacers will play nine playoff teams in 10 games in October and November
From October 25 to November 13, the Pacers have a 10-game stretch against nine teams who made the playoffs last season, including the reigning champion Celtics. Additionally, of these 10 games, six of them are on the road. The 10-game stretch is as follows:
10/25: @ Knicks (ESPN),
10/27: vs. 76ers
10/28: @ Orlando Magic
10/30: vs. Celtics (ESPN)
11/1: @ New Orleans Pelicans
11/4: @ Dallas Mavericks
11/6: vs. Magic
11/8: @ Charlotte Hornets
11/10: vs. Knicks
11/13: @ Magic
Most notably, the Pacers play the Magic three times, twice in Orlando. Additionally, they play the Knicks twice, and they face the Celtics and Mavericks, the two teams from this year's NBA Finals, in a three-game stretch.
Indiana will also face Philadelphia, who many believe will leapfrog past the Pacers in the standings next season following their busy offseason.
The only team the Pacers will face during this stretch that was not a playoff team last season is the Hornets. However, with new head coach Charles Lee at the helm, as well as the additions of Tidjane Salaun and Josh Green, the Hornets should be a much better team next season.
It is an early part of the season, but if the Pacers can come out of this stretch with a winning record, it could be a good indication that they are a legitimate threat to come out of the Eastern Conference next year.