Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Alex Golden and Mike Facci continue their eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series, and today they turn their attention to Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard—two guards entering very interesting seasons for completely different reasons.First up is Nembhard.After taking on significantly more responsibility with Tyrese Haliburton out last season, Nembhard now has to transition back into playing alongside Indiana's star point guard. So, what does his role look like with Haliburton back in the lineup?Alex and Facci discuss how Nembhard has improved over the last few seasons, what he showed with an expanded role last year and how the Pacers can utilize those improvements without asking him to be the primary ball handler every night.How frequently should Nembhard run the offense? Can taking some of the playmaking responsibilities off Haliburton actually make Indiana more dangerous? And what should the next step look like for Nembhard on both ends of the floor?The guys share what they want to see from Drew this season, set expectations for his role and make their official stat predictions.Then, it's time for Ben Sheppard, who enters arguably the most important season of his young career.Sheppard is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract, but with everyone healthy, he could begin the season outside Rick Carlisle's 10-man rotation.So how does Sheppard force his way back into the mix?Alex and Facci discuss what Sheppard needs to improve, where his opportunities could come from, what it will take to earn consistent minutes and how his role this season could impact his chances of earning his next NBA contract.It's another edition of the Pacers Player Preview Series with roles, expectations, goals and stat predictions for Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci continue their eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series, and today the focus shifts to two very different point guards: T.J. McConnell and Braden Smith.The guys start with McConnell as he enters his 12th NBA season and eighth year with the Indiana Pacers. At 34 years old, T.J. is officially one of the elder statesmen of this roster—but after everything he's meant to Indiana over the last several seasons, what should expectations look like this year?Alex and Facci discuss McConnell's role behind Tyrese Haliburton, how many minutes he should play on a nightly basis, whether his responsibilities could change with Haliburton returning and what the Pacers need from their veteran point guard to make another deep postseason run.They also discuss what they specifically want to see from T.J. this season and make their official stat predictions for one of the most important players on Indiana's second unit.Then, the guys turn their attention to Braden Smith.After joining the Pacers on a two-way contract, what should Year 1 look like for the former Purdue point guard? Alex and Facci discuss where Smith fits into Indiana's crowded guard rotation, how much NBA playing time he could realistically receive and what areas of his game will determine whether he can eventually become a legitimate rotation player.What does Smith need to prove as a rookie? Could he eventually push his way into Rick Carlisle's rotation? And what would constitute a successful first season for the young point guard?Roles, expectations, goals and stat predictions for T.J. McConnell and Braden Smith as the Pacers Player Preview Series rolls on! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back, and today they're kicking off a brand-new eight-part Player Preview Series on Setting The Pace!Over the next eight episodes, Alex and Facci will work their way through the Pacers roster, breaking down each player's role, expectations and goals for the upcoming season while also making their official stat predictions.First up: Tyrese Haliburton and Quenton Jackson.The guys start with Haliburton as he prepares to make his long-awaited return to the court. What are realistic expectations for Tyrese after missing all of last season? How quickly can he return to the player Pacers fans remember? And should his role look any different after everything Indiana learned while playing without him?Alex and Facci discuss what they want to see from Haliburton, what a successful season would look like, where he can continue to grow and make their official predictions for his points, assists, rebounds, shooting percentages and more.Then, the attention turns to Quenton Jackson.After earning a standard NBA contract last season and having his deal become fully guaranteed this summer, where does Jackson fit into a crowded Pacers backcourt?The guys discuss how big of a role Q could realistically have, where his minutes could come from, what he needs to show to earn Rick Carlisle's trust and what would constitute a successful season for the 28-year-old guard.Plus, Alex and Facci make their official stat predictions for Jackson and discuss what they most want to see from him this season.Roles. Expectations. Goals. Stat predictions.The eight-part Pacers Player Preview Series officially begins with Tyrese Haliburton and Quenton Jackson! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Casey is joined by John Nolan, radio voice of the Indiana Fever, for a wide-ranging conversation on the team, the league, and everything surrounding one of the most interesting stretches of the season. Topics include:The absurdity of online Fever discourse and how hard it has become to talk about the actual basketball What Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston can gain from their Team USA experience Caitlin and Kelsey Mitchell continuing to stack up record-breaking performances Aliyah Boston’s steady presence and why her consistency matters so much Makayla Timpson’s rise and how quickly she has carved out a role Why Ty Harris feels like the perfect veteran addition for this Fever team Cathy Engelbert’s announcement and the bigger questions facing the WNBA What qualities the next commissioner needs to have to lead the league forward A loaded conversation with John Nolan on the Fever’s present, their future, and where the league goes from here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by Ryan Knight of The Pacers Post Up for an episode dedicated to the players Pacers fans love to hate.Forget rival teams. Today, we're talking about individual players who have become Public Enemy No. 1 in Indiana.Alex and Ryan reveal their Top 5 biggest player rivals of the current iteration of the Indiana Pacers, discussing how each player earned a spot on the list and why the bad blood still exists today.Whether it was a heated playoff series, trash talk, physical play, controversial moments or simply getting under the skin of Pacers players and fans, each of these five has developed a unique relationship with Indiana—and not exactly a friendly one.But how relevant are some of these rivalries today?Alex and Ryan discuss which beefs are still alive and well, which have started to cool off and which could become even more heated during the 2026-27 season as Indiana looks to make another run through the Eastern Conference.The guys also look at these rivalries from both perspectives. Which players do Pacers fans despise the most? Which opponents seem to have legitimate beef with Indiana's players? And who is the one player that deserves to be crowned the Pacers' ultimate Public Enemy No. 1?It's time to embrace the hate.No friends. No love lost. Just the five biggest villains of the current Pacers era and why they've earned a permanent spot on Indiana's enemies list. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back, and today's episode starts with a familiar face having some trouble finding a new home.The latest reporting indicates that the Milwaukee Bucks have been unable to find a trade partner for Myles Turner, just one year after signing the former Pacers center to a four-year, $107 million contract.So…grass isn't always greener, is it?Alex and Facci revisit Turner's departure from Indiana and discuss why his current situation only reinforces the Pacers' decision to play hardball during contract negotiations. Was Indiana right to have reservations about paying Turner that type of money? How much of his success with the Pacers was enhanced by playing alongside an elite point guard in Tyrese Haliburton? And what does his current trade market say about the value of his contract around the league?The guys also look back at Milwaukee's decision to aggressively pursue Turner and how poorly that gamble has aged after just one season.From there, the conversation shifts back to Indiana and a bigger offseason question: Did the Pacers do enough in free agency?Alex and Facci evaluate Indiana's additions, how the new pieces fit around the returning core and whether the front office did enough to position this roster for another run at the top of the Eastern Conference.If the Pacers wanted to be more aggressive, what other moves were realistically available? Were there free agents Indiana should have pursued instead? Could they have spent their money differently? Or did the front office correctly prioritize fit, flexibility and continuity over making a splashier move?Finally, the guys wrap up the show with Ben Simmons officially returning to the NBA after sitting out last season. What does Simmons have left, what should expectations look like for the former All-Star and can he resurrect his career in Sacramento?Myles Turner's unwanted contract, Milwaukee's failed gamble, the Pacers' free-agency decisions and the return of Ben Simmons—a loaded episode of Setting The Pace! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back, and there is A LOT to discuss after the NBA dropped the hammer on the Los Angeles Clippers.The Clippers were found to have violated the NBA's salary-cap circumvention rules involving Kawhi Leonard, resulting in massive penalties—including the loss of five future first-round picks.And somehow, the Indiana Pacers are directly involved in the fallout.One of the selections Los Angeles is losing is the Pacers' unprotected 2029 first-round pick, which Indiana originally sent to the Clippers as part of the trade for Ivica Zubac.So Alex and Facci ask the obvious question: Should the Pacers get their pick back?The guys debate whether Indiana should benefit from the Clippers' wrongdoing, why the NBA decided to eliminate the pick instead of returning it to the Pacers and whether losing one of the major assets from the deal changes how we should evaluate the Zubac trade from Los Angeles' perspective.Then, Alex and Facci go down the Kawhi Leonard rabbit hole and look at the incredible ripple effects his career decisions have had on the Pacers.From Kawhi leaving the Toronto Raptors for Los Angeles to everything that followed with the Clippers, the guys connect the dots on how decisions made years ago ultimately helped shape the Pacers roster we see today.It's a wild look at NBA history, trades, draft picks and how one superstar's decision can create ripple effects across the league for years.Should Indiana get its 2029 first-round pick back? Does this make the Zubac trade look even better for the Pacers? And just how much has Kawhi Leonard's Clippers era indirectly impacted Indiana?A fun, loaded episode centered around all of the Kawhi drama in Los Angeles—and the unexpected Pacers connection to it all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA commissioner, and Casey reacts to the breaking news on Fever Focus.This episode takes a first look at Engelbert’s tenure, the timing of the announcement, and what her exit could mean for the league moving forward. There is credit to give for the WNBA’s growth, but also plenty of fair questions about how the league has handled its biggest moments, its biggest stars, and the increased spotlight around the game.Topics include:Engelbert’s retirement announcementThe growth of the WNBA during her time as commissionerWhy business success does not erase league-wide frustrationsThe public pressure that came with the Caitlin Clark eraOngoing questions about officiating, messaging, and player relationsWhat the next commissioner will be walking intoWhy this moment feels like a turning point for the leagueCasey breaks it all down on a solo edition of Fever Focus.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for Part 3 of the September Mailbag, wrapping up this three-part series with questions about trades, Jarace Walker, the future of the Pacers' core, Rick Carlisle and some fun debates to close out the show!The guys start by revisiting Bennedict Mathurin's departure. After Mathurin signed with New Orleans for $8 million per season, should the Pacers have any regrets about how everything played out? If Indiana knew a year ago that Mathurin could be retained at that price, would things have gone differently? And when comparing him to Kelly Oubre Jr., who is ultimately the better fit for this Pacers roster?From there, Alex and Facci look at the financial future of the team. As this roster becomes more expensive, could players like Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell or Obi Toppin eventually take more team-friendly deals to help keep the core together?That leads directly into some Trey Murphy III trade talk. If Murphy becomes available, what type of package would Alex and Facci realistically be willing to give up to bring him to Indiana?Then, it's time for a lengthy Jarace Walker discussion. How big of a leap can he make this season after the way he finished last year? Will he finally secure consistent rotation minutes? And perhaps most importantly, what are the odds Jarace is still on the Pacers after the trade deadline?The guys also discuss whether Dalton Knecht could make sense as a potential target and look further into the future with a question about Rick Carlisle. If Indiana doesn't win a championship during this current two-year window, could Rick remain the Pacers' head coach beyond it?Finally, the mailbag gets weird—in the best way.Which Pacers jersey are Alex and Facci most excited to see this season? Who wins a game to 7 between Alex and Facci with the fate of the universe on the line? And who are the three greatest dunkers in Pacers history?Mathurin regrets, Trey Murphy trade packages, Jarace Walker's future, Rick Carlisle's timeline and some ridiculous debates to finish things off—a fun conclusion to the September Mailbag! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back for another episode of Fever Focus, and with the WNBA hitting pause, two of Indiana's biggest stars are taking their talents to the international stage!Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston are representing Team USA at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, giving the Fever's young duo an opportunity to compete alongside—and learn from—some of the best players in the world.Alex and Casey discuss what they're most excited to see from Clark and Boston with Team USA, what roles they could play and how spending time around so many accomplished players could help both of them grow before returning to Indiana for the final stretch of the season.But the World Cup also creates one of the strangest wrinkles of the WNBA season: a three-week stoppage right before the playoffs.Alex and Casey have a lengthy debate about the break, whether it's good for the league and what changes could be made in the future to prevent such a long interruption in the middle of a season that's building toward its biggest games.While Clark and Boston are competing overseas, Kelsey Mitchell gets three valuable weeks away from game action. Could the extended rest be exactly what Indiana's leading scorer needs before the Fever make their playoff push?The guys also react to WNBA legend Diana Taurasi's comments about Clark and Mitchell leading Indiana in the postseason and discuss what it will take for the Fever's dynamic backcourt to deliver when the games matter most.Finally, Alex and Casey look at the opportunity in front of Clark and Boston beyond simply winning a gold medal. What can they learn from practicing, traveling and competing alongside some of the greatest players in women's basketball? And could those lessons ultimately make the Fever even more dangerous when they return?Team USA, the WNBA's lengthy World Cup break, some much-needed rest for Kelsey Mitchell and plenty of discussion about what this all means for the Fever's playoff hopes! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for Part 2 of the September Mailbag, and today's questions center around one big theme: How good can this Indiana Pacers team actually be? The guys start by discussing what Indiana learned from last season and how those lessons could translate now that Tyrese Haliburton is back. After everything this group experienced without its star point guard, could the adversity ultimately make the Pacers better equipped for another championship run? Then comes one of the biggest questions of the entire mailbag: What happens if Indiana is rolling at the trade deadline and Trey Murphy III becomes available? If the Pacers already look like a legitimate championship contender, do you risk disrupting a rotation that's working to add another high-level talent? Alex and Facci discuss the balance between upgrading the roster and protecting chemistry, including the lessons that can be learned from the Danny Granger-Evan Turner trade. Would Murphy raise Indiana's long-term ceiling enough to justify shaking things up? Or, at some point, is trusting the better team more important than acquiring the better individual player? From there, the guys dive deep into Ivica Zubac. How different will Indiana look going from Myles Turner's style of play to Big Zu? How will Zubac fit alongside Haliburton? And just how concerned should Pacers fans be about spacing with a traditional center occupying the paint? The defensive conversation continues with Andrew Nembhard. After Nembhard was left outside Game Theory's Top 25 defenders and honorable mentions, Alex and Facci discuss where they believe he belongs among the NBA's best defenders. Finally, could this Pacers roster be just as successful playing for a different coach and in a different system? Or is Rick Carlisle's fast-paced style so ingrained in the identity of this group that changing it would fundamentally alter what makes Indiana special? Championship expectations, trade-deadline dilemmas, Zubac vs. Myles, Nembhard's defense and Rick Carlisle's system—a loaded Part 2 of the September Mailbag! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are answering YOUR questions for the September Mailbag, kicking off Part 1 of a three-part series! Today's episode is all about rotation, lineups and roster fit as the guys dive into some of the biggest questions surrounding Rick Carlisle's options heading into the season. What is the Pacers' best five-man lineup, and how does it stack up against the best lineups around the NBA? How will Carlisle divide the wing minutes between Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard? Could the numbers game ultimately force either Jarace or Sheppard out of the regular rotation? A large portion of the conversation centers around Kelly Oubre Jr. and Bennedict Mathurin. After Mathurin signed a deal similar in value to Oubre's, which player would the guys rather have coming off Indiana's bench? Is Mathurin's scoring ability more valuable to the second unit, or does Oubre's defense, versatility and overall fit make him the better option for this Pacers roster? Alex and Facci also predict what kind of production Oubre could provide and whether he can match—or potentially exceed—what Mathurin brought to Indiana. Then, the guys discuss the backup point guard situation. Is it actually a weakness with T.J. McConnell, Braden Smith, Quenton Jackson and Andrew Nembhard all capable of handling some of those responsibilities? Or should backup center be the position Indiana prioritizes upgrading at the trade deadline? Plus, who leads the Pacers' bench in scoring this season? And what will Bennedict Mathurin's stat line look like when he faces Indiana on opening night? A loaded Part 1 of the September Mailbag with plenty of rotation debates, lineup discussion and thoughts on how all the pieces of this Pacers roster will fit together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by Derek Schultz for a lengthy, loaded conversation about the Indiana Pacers as the start of the 2026-27 season continues to draw closer. A good portion of today's show centers around Tyrese Haliburton and one of the biggest questions facing the Pacers: What are realistic expectations for Hali after missing 16 months of NBA basketball? Alex and Derek discuss what success should look like for Haliburton this season, how patient fans need to be as he works his way back into form and what Indiana truly needs from its star point guard to compete at the highest level. Then, the guys dive into Bennedict Mathurin signing with the New Orleans Pelicans. At the price Mathurin ultimately signed for, should the Pacers have any regrets about moving on? Would his scoring have been valuable on this current roster, or was Indiana right to prioritize other players and roster needs? From there, Alex and Derek zoom out and look at the rest of the Eastern Conference. Which teams pose the biggest threat to Indiana? Where do the Pacers stack up against the conference's best, and which potential matchups should concern them the most? Finally, the guys look WAY into the future with a fun exercise: Which current Pacers will still be on the roster five seasons from now? Who is essentially untouchable? Which young players could become long-term pieces? And which familiar faces might be gone as Indiana's roster continues to evolve? Haliburton expectations, Mathurin's departure, Eastern Conference threats and a look five years into the Pacers' future—a loaded episode with Derek Schultz! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are looking into the future and handing out some hardware on today's episode of Setting The Pace! The guys go through the NBA's major individual awards and look at which Pacers are actually appearing on the early betting odds lists—and which Indiana players are surprisingly nowhere to be found. For each award, Alex and Facci discuss which Pacer has the best chance of entering the conversation and what would need to happen this season for them to become a legitimate contender. But they don't stop with the NBA awards. The guys then turn the exercise into a Pacers-only awards show, predicting who will be Indiana's MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year and more! Which Pacer is poised to make the biggest leap? Who will be the most impactful player off the bench? Which player becomes Indiana's defensive anchor? And who ultimately takes home Pacers MVP? A fun offseason exercise looking at the betting markets, projecting individual performances and making predictions for which Pacers will take home the hardware at the end of the 2026-27 season. Alex Golden and Mike Facci are looking into the future and handing out some hardware on today's episode of Setting The Pace! The guys go through the NBA's major individual awards and look at which Pacers are actually appearing on the early betting odds lists—and which Indiana players are surprisingly nowhere to be found. For each award, Alex and Facci discuss which Pacer has the best chance of entering the conversation and what would need to happen this season for them to become a legitimate contender. But they don't stop with the NBA awards. The guys then turn the exercise into a Pacers-only awards show, predicting who will be Indiana's MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year and more! Which Pacer is poised to make the biggest leap? Who will be the most impactful player off the bench? Which player becomes Indiana's defensive anchor? And who ultimately takes home Pacers MVP? A fun offseason exercise looking at the betting markets, projecting individual performances and making predictions for which Pacers will take home the hardware at the end of the 2026-27 season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's finally time! Alex Golden and Mike Facci reveal their 2026-27 Eastern Conference standings predictions, ranking all 15 teams from top to bottom and explaining exactly why they have each team finishing where they do. The guys go team-by-team through a loaded East, discussing the contenders they believe can make a run at the No. 1 seed, which teams could surprise people, who might take a step backward and where the Indiana Pacers belong in the mix. How much will Indiana improve with Tyrese Haliburton back? Where do the Pacers stack up against the other contenders? Which teams are Alex and Facci higher or lower on than the consensus? And which spots were the toughest to predict? But the conversation doesn't end once the standings are set. After revealing their 1-15 rankings, Alex and Facci use their predicted standings to create the potential first-round playoff matchups. The guys go series-by-series before focusing on the Pacers' projected opponent and debating whether they like Indiana's draw. Would this be an ideal path for the Pacers? Which potential matchup would they rather avoid? And based on these standings, what could Indiana's path through the Eastern Conference look like? A fun episode discussing every team in the East, making predictions and looking ahead to what could be a fascinating playoff picture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back for a loaded episode of Setting The Pace, featuring a special guest appearance from Bob Kravitz! Before Bob joins the show, Alex announces the winner of the two free tickets to the Pacers-Mavericks game on opening night! Then, Alex and Facci dive into the Pacers' new television deal with DAZN and what it means for fans watching the team this season. The guys also discuss the NBA's conversations with YouTube about potentially becoming the local broadcasting partner for all 30 teams beginning in 2027-28 and what that could mean for the future of watching NBA basketball. Then, Bob Kravitz joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about the Pacers. Bob shares his thoughts on Indiana's offseason, what he expects from this group next season and where he believes the Pacers stack up in a loaded Eastern Conference. The guys also have an extensive conversation about T.J. McConnell. How much longer can T.J. continue playing at this level? What should Pacers fans expect from him over the next two seasons? And once his playing career comes to an end, could McConnell remain connected to the organization in a different role? Bob also shares which Pacers player he believes could make the biggest jump next season and what that development could mean for Indiana's ceiling. To close out the show, the conversation shifts to the Indiana Fever before Bob gives his thoughts on where the Pacers ultimately finish in the Eastern Conference. Ticket giveaway results, broadcasting news, Pacers expectations, T.J.'s future, breakout candidates, Fever talk and Eastern Conference predictions—a loaded episode with Bob Kravitz! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back with another episode of Fever Focus, breaking down the Indiana Fever’s win over the Chicago Sky and everything that stood out from one of Indiana’s stronger team performances. Topics include: Caitlin Clark’s all-around game and how she controlled the flow offensively Kelsey Mitchell staying hot and continuing to give Indiana a reliable scoring punch The Fever looking a little tired, but still finding enough energy to take care of business Mercedes Russell giving Indiana exactly what it needed in her role KK’s continued growth and why her confidence is starting to show Lexie Hull’s breakout game and the impact she made on both ends A brief look at the Enes Kanter courtside incident Why the Caitlin Clark/Kelsey Mitchell partnership is starting to feel like another beloved Indiana sports duo Another packed episode of Fever Focus as Alex and Casey break down the win, the rotation, the vibes, and why this Fever team keeps giving fans more reasons to believe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back for a loaded episode of Fever Focus after a busy stretch of Indiana Fever basketball! Since the guys last recorded, the Fever have played four games and gone 3-1, giving Alex and Casey plenty to discuss. They go game-by-game through the stretch, breaking down how Indiana performed, which players stepped up and the biggest storylines to emerge as the Fever continue their five-game road trip with a trip to New York on Sunday. Kelsey Mitchell continues to score at an incredible level and has been one of the driving forces behind Indiana's recent success. The guys discuss her offensive explosion, why she's been so difficult for opponents to contain and just how impressive her current stretch has been. They also dive into Makayla Timpson, who continues to show why she belongs in the Fever's starting lineup. What has Timpson added to the starting five, and how has her emergence changed Indiana's frontcourt? Then there's Caitlin Clark, who had some terrific moments but also experienced some up-and-down performances over the four-game stretch. Alex and Casey evaluate what they've seen from Clark, where she's thriving and where things haven't been quite as consistent. The guys also discuss Aliyah Boston's steady production, the inconsistent play from Indiana's bench, which role players stepped up when the Fever needed them most and what Indiana needs to clean up as the road trip continues. Four games. Three wins. Plenty of storylines. Alex and Casey break it all down before looking ahead to Sunday's showdown in New York! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are going through the entire Indiana Pacers schedule and making a prediction for every single game! Win or loss. All 82 games. The guys work their way through the schedule, discussing the toughest stretches, favorable runs, back-to-backs, national television games and the biggest matchups of the season. Which opponents present the biggest problems for Indiana? Where could the Pacers potentially stumble? And which stretches of the schedule could allow them to pile up wins? Alex and Facci also highlight the games they're most excited about, the opponents they're most interested in seeing Indiana face and some of the obstacles that could make this schedule more challenging than it initially appears. Then, after predicting all 82 games, the guys reveal their final Pacers record predictions and explain why they feel so strongly about where Indiana will finish. Will Alex and Facci end up in the same neighborhood, or will their predictions look completely different? It's a fun way to break down the entire schedule while setting expectations for the upcoming season. Grab the schedule, follow along and see where you agree—or completely disagree—with the guys! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Michael Facci are BACK after both guys enjoyed a little vacation time, and there is plenty of Pacers news to catch up on! The guys start with Braden Smith officially signing a two-way deal with the Indiana Pacers. After months of wondering what Indiana's plan was for the Purdue point guard, we finally have our answer. Alex and Facci discuss why the Pacers ultimately went this direction with Smith and push back against some of the criticism surrounding Indiana's decision to trade for him in the second round of the NBA Draft. What does Smith need to show this season, and why does a two-way deal make sense for where he is at in his development? The move comes after Friday's news that Ethan Thompson is heading overseas, opening the door for Indiana to use its final two-way spot on Smith. Then, the conversation shifts to the Pacers' decision to keep the 15th spot on the standard roster open. Alex and Facci explain why maintaining that flexibility could be important and how Indiana could take advantage of the opening later in the season. That leads to a fun look at some recognizable names who could eventually make sense for the Pacers. Would Ben Simmons be worth taking a chance on? Could a reunion with Victor Oladipo make any sense? What about bringing Bruce Brown back to Indiana? Braden Smith is officially a Pacer, Indiana still has some roster flexibility, and Alex and Facci have plenty to discuss as Setting The Pace returns! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by longtime Pacers' fan Michael—with a brief appearance from his lovely girlfriend, Grace—for a fun conversation about all things Indiana Pacers! Michael shares his thoughts on the Pacers' offseason moves and his expectations for the upcoming season, including what he likes about the roster and where he still has concerns. He also tells Alex about his experience meeting Tyrese Haliburton at Fanatics Fest, what that moment was like and why Tyrese has become such a special player for Pacers fans. Of course, no conversation with Michael would be complete without discussing his love for Micah Potter! The guy's revisit Indiana's decision to move on from Potter and what Michael thinks about the direction the Pacers took with their frontcourt. From there, Alex and Michael get into the basketball. Which teams in the Eastern Conference present the toughest matchups for Indiana? What are the Pacers' biggest strengths and weaknesses? And most importantly, how much does the addition of Ivica Zubac help address some of the issues that have hurt Indiana in the past? Michael also shares what he's most excited to see this season and why expectations are so high for this Pacers team. A fun, fan-driven episode of Setting the Pace featuring Pacers talk, plenty of laughs, Michael's return to the podcast and a special cameo from Grace! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by Kyle Taylor of iPacers for a different kind of offseason episode of Setting The Pace. Instead of tackling the biggest storylines surrounding the Indiana Pacers, the guys get in the weeds and discuss some of the more niche questions that could have a major impact on how this team plays next season. The conversation starts with Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac. With Zubac bringing a much different skill set to the center position, could we see Tyrese spend more time playing off the ball to help Indiana's spacing? How will the Pacers maximize Zubac offensively without taking away from what makes Haliburton and the rest of the offense so dangerous? Then the guys flip to the defensive side of that pairing. What happens when teams put Haliburton and Big Zu into the pick-and-roll? Alex and Kyle discuss the different coverages Indiana could throw at opponents, how teams may try to attack that combination and what adjustments Rick Carlisle could have up his sleeve. But the niche questions don't stop there. Will the Pacers continue to full-court press as frequently as they have in the past? Who will opposing teams target more defensively: Haliburton or Jarace Walker? And in one of the most interesting rotation battles heading into training camp, who finishes the season with more minutes: Ben Sheppard or Jarace Walker? It's a basketball-heavy conversation that goes deep into the details of how this Pacers team could look different next season. If you enjoy X's and O's, rotation debates and questions that don't always get discussed during the offseason, this episode is for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back for another loaded episode of Fever Focus, and there is A LOT to discuss after an eventful stretch for the Indiana Fever.   The guys start with Mikayla Timpson moving into the starting lineup at the four and what the change could mean for Indiana moving forward. Is Timpson simply the perfect answer for this specific Fever roster, or are we watching her develop into a legitimate long-term starter in the WNBA?   Then, Alex and Casey break down Indiana's impressive performance against the New York Liberty. Kelsey Mitchell continues to look unstoppable, Caitlin Clark is finding new ways to thrive alongside her, and the chemistry between the two stars continues to reach another level. They also dive into Aliyah Boston's evolving three-point shot and why it has the potential to become an elite weapon for Indiana's offense.   From there, it's time to unpack all of the shenanigans from Saturday's game against the Chicago Sky. The guys discuss the backlash Stephanie White received afterward, how she responded before the Fever's game against New York and Caitlin Clark voicing her frustration with the fans who booed the team. Clark made it clear how united this group remains and that, after everything they've been through together, they weren't going to let the outside noise impact them.   Finally, Alex and Casey return to the Timpson discussion and zoom out on the Fever's recent play. Indiana went 8-3 over its last 11 games, with its only three losses coming against the league's top three seeds. Is this stretch evidence that the Fever are beginning to find their identity at exactly the right time?   A loaded Fever Focus featuring lineup changes, the Big 3 clicking, Steph White's response to the criticism, Caitlin Clark's message to the fans and a bigger picture look at just how well Indiana is playing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by Tyler Smith of Indy Sports Legends and Pacers on SI for a trip through Indiana Pacers history as the guys attempt to answer a difficult question: Who are the 10 greatest Pacers of the NBA era? Alex and Tyler build their Top 10 lists and debate how to weigh longevity, individual accomplishments, playoff success, peak performance and overall impact on the franchise. One of the biggest debates centers around Tyrese Haliburton. After helping lead Indiana to an NBA Finals appearance, has Haliburton already done enough to surpass some of the franchise's longest-tenured stars? Where does he belong among the greatest players to ever wear a Pacers uniform? Then there's Pascal Siakam. His Pacers tenure has been much shorter, but his impact on the franchise has been undeniable. Has he accomplished enough in Indiana to crack the Top 10, or does longevity keep him on the outside looking in? To close out the show, Alex and Tyler reveal their Honorable Mentions, highlighting the players who just missed the cut and debating which names were the toughest to leave outside the Top 10. A fun historical exercise filled with debates, difficult decisions and plenty of appreciation for some of the greatest players to ever wear the Blue and Gold. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you want to watch the episode on YouTube, be sure to check it out on the Pacers Beyond the Buzzer YouTube page and subscribe to their channel! Pacers Beyond The Buzzer - YouTube Alex Golden joins Jake Riley on Pacers Beyond the Buzzer for a special crossover episode that goes 100 minutes and covers just about everything surrounding the Indiana Pacers. The guys start by taking a trip down memory lane as Alex shares how Setting the Pace began eight years ago, how the podcast has evolved and some of the memorable interactions—both good and bad—he's had with Pacers players and coaches since entering the media space. Then, it's time to talk Trey Murphy III. The Trey Murphy-to-Indiana rumors are swirling once again after Murphy attended Tyrese Haliburton's wedding, with a video surfacing of the two dancing together. Does any of it actually mean something? Alex and Jake discuss why Pacers fans remain fascinated by Murphy, what it would realistically take to acquire him, and the complicated logistics Indiana would have to navigate to make a trade work. From there, the guys dive deep into the current Pacers roster. Which players are the most likely to receive contract extensions? Who is the best bet to break out this season—and who is the least likely? This leads to an extensive conversation about Andrew Nembhard, Jarace Walker and what could be next for both players. Alex and Jake also go around the Eastern Conference, taking an in-depth look at Indiana's competition and debating exactly where the Pacers belong in the hierarchy of the East heading into the season. To close out the show, things lighten up as Alex and Jake share some of the latest trends they've been enjoying before giving a special shoutout to Ripple Bagel & Deli, home of the Setting the Pace Sandwich, for hooking the guys up with lunch—and a big thank you to owner Todd! Trey Murphy rumors, Pacers stories, breakout candidates, contract extensions, Eastern Conference rankings and plenty of fun along the way. It's a loaded 100-minute Pacers crossover. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight, heartbreak ensues on the Fever Focus Podcast as Alex and Casey recount a game that had everything. There was a lost 20 point lead, a comeback, overtime, a game-tying buzzer beater, a game-WINNING buzzer beater, and everything but a win. In the immediate aftermath, the guys recap exactly how and why this game fell apart. Topics of discussion are what parts of the Fever collapse were avoidable, what were mental, what came down to basketball, and what was a healthy dose of pure bad luck. Discussion centers around the up and down play of Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell as a focal point of the offense, Aliyah Boston continuing to produce against A'ja Wilson, Monique Billings holding her own on defense against the reigning MVP, and how, sometimes, you just have to tip your cap. Can you live with this loss? Is it time to worry? What are the reasons this game just didn't go the way of the Fever? All this and more on this episode of Fever Focus! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by D Cot of the Game Time Network and Cot's Corner for his first appearance on Setting The Pace, and the conversation centers around what many believe is the Indiana Pacers' greatest strength: their backcourt. The guys take a deep dive into Andrew Nembhard's development, discussing why he's the perfect complement to Tyrese Haliburton, the strides he made as a primary playmaker last season, what to expect from him moving forward and how important it is for the Pacers to keep him as a foundational piece of their core. The conversation then shifts to Tyrese Haliburton's journey back to full strength. Alex and D Cot discuss the physical and mental challenges Haliburton has overcome, including battling shingles, rehabbing his Achilles injury and spending 16 months away from NBA game action. They also discuss his added muscle, expectations for the upcoming season and why a fully healthy Haliburton could elevate Indiana to another level. Additional topics include: Why the Haliburton-Nembhard pairing works so well Nembhard's long-term value to the Pacers Tyrese's growth as a leader on and off the court Expectations for the Pacers' backcourt this season Other key storylines surrounding the roster entering training camp It's a terrific first appearance from D Cot and a basketball-heavy conversation focused on two of the most important players in the Pacers' championship pursuit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by Brandt McCoskey of Pacers Daily on Fan Arch for another Pacers crossover episode, and this one centers around one important question: What could keep the Indiana Pacers from winning an NBA championship? Alex and Brandt each share the three biggest factors they believe could derail Indiana's title hopes, discussing everything from roster construction and player development to health, depth and the ever-improving Eastern Conference. After breaking down those concerns, the conversation shifts to the conference as a whole. Where do the Pacers stack up against the rest of the East? Brandt shares his current Eastern Conference rankings, explains which teams concern him the most and why he believes Indiana belongs where it does. Topics include: The three biggest threats to the Pacers' championship hopes Which concern is the most significant Areas where Indiana must improve this season Brandt's Eastern Conference power rankings Which teams pose the biggest challenge to the Pacers Why Indiana can still be one of the NBA's elite teams Expectations heading into the 2026-27 season Then, in Segment 2, Alex goes solo for a unique offseason exercise inspired by John Mayer's iconic 2006 album, Continuum. Alex matches every song on the album to a current Pacers player, explaining why each track best represents that player's personality, journey or style of play. Music from each song is included throughout the segment, making for a fun blend of basketball and music that longtime Pacers fans and John Mayer fans alike can enjoy. It's another fun crossover episode featuring thoughtful discussion on the Pacers' title aspirations, followed by one of the most creative offseason segments you'll hear as Alex puts a musical twist on the Indiana Pacers roster. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are joined by Tony East of Circle City Spin and The IX for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of the Indiana Fever as the team pushes toward the second half of the season. The guys begin with the latest injury news surrounding Damiris Dantas, discuss the Fever signing Michelle Onyiah to a developmental player contract, and evaluate where Indiana currently stacks up among the Eastern Conference contenders. From there, the conversation dives into several of the team's biggest storylines, including the continued dominance of the Fever's Big 3, Lexie Hull's up-and-down season, Mikayla Timpson's impressive development, and why Indiana's defense remains the biggest obstacle between the Fever and true championship contention. Topics include: The latest injury update on Damiris Dantas Michelle Onyiah joining the Fever on a developmental contract Where Indiana ranks among the Eastern Conference's best teams The outstanding play of the Fever's Big 3 Lexie Hull's struggles and what she can do to bounce back Mikayla Timpson's rapid development Why defense continues to be Indiana's biggest concern How far this Fever team can realistically go this season MVP vs. Face of the League: the Caitlin Clark discussion How the media should balance on-court analysis with off-court storylines Will KK dunk in a game this season? It's another loaded episode of Fever Focus featuring one of the best Indiana Fever analysts around, as Tony East joins Alex and Casey for an in-depth look at where this team stands and where it could be headed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Jake Riley of Pacers Beyond the Buzzer for another fun Pacers crossover episode! To kick things off, each member of the panel shares the three biggest strengths of the Indiana Pacers and explains why those traits make Indiana one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2026-27 season. From the team's stars and depth to its culture and style of play, the guys make the case for why the Pacers are legitimate championship contenders. Then, Jake flips the script and puts Alex and Facci on the spot with three entertaining offseason questions that lead to plenty of laughs: Which Disney characters best match each Pacers player? Which Pacer would make the best next-door neighbor? If every Pacers player had their own sound effect, what would it be? It's a perfect blend of basketball analysis and offseason fun, making for one of the most entertaining crossover episodes of the summer. Tune in to hear what makes this Pacers team so dangerous—and stick around for the laughs at the end! isit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Jack and Sal from All Pacers for a fun offseason episode filled with debates, laughs and plenty of Pacers basketball. The guys kick things off by sharing their thoughts on the new gold pinstripe jerseys, discussing what they like most about the design and where they rank among Indiana's recent uniforms. Next, the conversation shifts to one of the more entertaining topics of the offseason as everyone shares their favorite Pacers nicknames from throughout franchise history. Then it's time for the main event... Who is the biggest X-factor for the Indiana Pacers this season? Each member of the panel makes their case for the player they believe will have the biggest impact on whether Indiana reaches its championship aspirations. From established veterans to emerging young players, the discussion covers several names and what each would need to do to elevate the Pacers to another level. Topics include: Reactions to the Pacers' new gold pinstripe jerseys The best nicknames in franchise history Identifying the Pacers' biggest X-factor entering the season Which player could exceed expectations The biggest swing piece on Indiana's roster Expectations for the 2026-27 season It's another great crossover episode with Jack and Sal from All Pacers, featuring plenty of spirited debate and offseason Pacers talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Anthony from Fastbreak Report for a fun offseason discussion centered around the Indiana Pacers and the one question fans can't stop asking: What's the biggest hole on this roster? Before diving into that debate, Anthony shares his thoughts on the Pacers' offseason, discussing the additions of Kelly Oubre Jr., Larry Nance Jr., Braden Smith and more. He also explains whether there was anything he would have done differently if he were in Kevin Pritchard and Chad Buchanan's shoes. Then, the conversation shifts to the current roster construction. Where is Indiana still vulnerable? Is it another shot creator? More wing size? Backup frontcourt depth? Or is the roster already championship-caliber as currently constructed? Topics include: Grading the Pacers' offseason What Anthony liked most about Indiana's moves Whether the front office should have been more aggressive The biggest hole remaining on the roster Internal improvement vs. external additions How the Pacers stack up against the rest of the Eastern Conference Expectations for the 2026-27 season It's another great guest episode packed with roster analysis, offseason debate and plenty of Pacers talk with Anthony from Fastbreak Report. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined once again by David Cole and Carson Stafford for Part 2 of their Eastern Conference Duos Rankings. After working through the bottom half of the conference in Part 1, the guys reveal their Top 8 duos and debate which pair deserves to be crowned the best in the East. Most importantly, where do Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam stack up against the conference's elite? Can Indiana's All-Star tandem compete with the East's biggest names, or do other contenders have the edge? Topics include: Revealing the Top 8 duos in the Eastern Conference Where Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam rank Which duos are being overrated and underrated The toughest head-to-head comparisons Which pairing gives the Pacers the biggest challenge How the rankings could change throughout the season Final thoughts on the Eastern Conference hierarchy entering 2026-27 Don't miss the conclusion to this fun offseason series as Alex, David and Carson wrap up their Eastern Conference Duos Rankings and determine where the Pacers' stars belong among the conference's elite. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by David Cole and Carson Stafford for a loaded episode of Setting the Pace. The guys begin by reacting to the Indiana Pacers’ reveal of their new gold pinstripe jerseys, sharing their initial impressions of the design, what they like most and how the uniforms compare to some of the most memorable looks in franchise history. Then, Alex, David and Carson kick off Part 1 of their Eastern Conference Duos Rankings. The trio evaluates the top pairings throughout the conference, debates which stars complement each other best and works its way through the rankings until reaching the final eight. Topics include: Initial reactions to the Pacers’ new gold pinstripe jerseys What works—and what does not—about Indiana’s latest uniform How the new jerseys compare to past Pacers pinstripe designs Ranking the best duos in the Eastern Conference Which pairings are being overrated or underrated The most difficult duos to place Which teams narrowly missed the top eight Setting the stage for the top of the rankings in Part 2 A fun mix of Pacers nostalgia, jersey discussion and spirited debate over the best star pairings in the Eastern Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back with another episode of Fever Focus, breaking down Indiana's impressive victory over the Seattle Storm and all the biggest storylines surrounding the team. The guys discuss Kelsey Mitchell's explosive fourth quarter, Caitlin Clark's incredible four-game stretch, and the concern surrounding Aliyah Boston, who exited in the second quarter with a knee injury. They also share their thoughts on whether Boston could miss extended time and what that would mean for Indiana moving forward. Plus, the conversation turns to Monique Billings, who continues to play some of her best basketball of the season, before Alex and Casey preview the Fever's upcoming schedule and what lies ahead. Topics include: Indiana's win over the Seattle Storm Kelsey Mitchell taking over in the fourth quarter Caitlin Clark's sensational play over the last four games Aliyah Boston's knee injury and what it could mean going forward Why Monique Billings has become such an important piece of the rotation Key takeaways from another Fever victory Looking ahead at Indiana's upcoming schedule and playoff push Another packed episode of Fever Focus as Alex and Casey break down all the latest surrounding the Indiana Fever! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After sitting down with Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan for more than an hour last week, Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to unpack everything they learned from the conversation. Rather than simply replaying Chad's answers, the guys take a deeper dive into the interview, discussing what stood out most, reading between the lines of Buchanan's comments and explaining what his answers could mean for the Pacers heading into the 2026-27 season and beyond. Topics include: The biggest takeaways from Chad Buchanan's interview What Chad had to say about the development of Indiana's young players Expectations for veterans like Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin and Ivica Zubac What Buchanan's comments reveal about Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard and Johnny Furphy Thoughts on Indiana's offseason additions and roster construction How the front office views the current championship window Which comments stood out the most and why they matter moving forward Our biggest reactions and what it all means for the future of the franchise This episode puts a bow on our two-part interview with Chad Buchanan while giving Alex and Facci an opportunity to dissect the conversation, add context to Chad's comments and share their own thoughts on the direction of the Indiana Pacers. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Casey Johnson goes solo to discuss the All-Star weekend that was!  Today is not so much a basketball show, but more a look at the humanity around the All-Star Weekend.  Casey discusses:  Caitlin's moment with Barack Obama How Caitlin is handling all the attention and drama WNBA players are actually friends Caitlin, Kelsey, and Aliyah's performance in the All-Star game. He then goes on to discuss Caitlin's Malika Andrews interview, Monica McNutt's reaction, and how that exact media cycle is the reason he created Fever Focus: The Wide Angle on our YouTube page! He discusses the first episode and encourages everyone to go give it a watch! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined once again by Brad and Ryan Knight of the Pacers Post Up Podcast for another fun offseason debate—this time focusing on the future of the Indiana Pacers. The four rank each of the seven young players on Indiana's roster from No. 1 through No. 7, discussing who they believe has the brightest future, who carries the most long-term value and which players could become key pieces of the Pacers' next championship contender. After comparing rankings, the conversation shifts to a bigger question: Who is the most exciting young player in the organization? To wrap things up, each member of the panel predicts which current Pacers will still be on the roster when the 2027-28 season begins, leading to some fascinating debates about Indiana's long-term outlook. Topics include: Ranking the Pacers' seven young players from 1-7 Which player has the highest ceiling Who is the most important young piece for Indiana's future Players the group is highest and lowest on The toughest ranking decisions Predicting which current Pacers will still be on the roster by the start of the 2027-28 season Long-term roster building and the future of the franchise If you enjoy prospect discussions, roster building and projecting the future, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Brad and Ryan Knight of the Pacers Post Up Podcast for a loaded discussion about LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and what the blockbuster move means for the rest of the Eastern Conference. The guys break down how LeBron fits alongside Philadelphia’s existing core, whether the new-look 76ers should immediately be considered the favorites in the East and how his arrival changes the path back to the NBA Finals for Indiana. They also examine the matchup from the Pacers’ perspective, highlighting the strengths Indiana could use against Philadelphia and the areas where LeBron and the 76ers could create problems. Topics include: LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers How LeBron’s arrival reshapes the Eastern Conference Whether Philadelphia should now be considered the favorite in the East The Pacers’ biggest strengths against the new-look 76ers How Indiana’s pace, depth and offensive style could challenge Philadelphia The potential matchup problems LeBron creates for the Pacers Which Eastern Conference contender presents the greatest threat to Indiana Where the Pacers currently stack up among the East’s top teams It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation with Brad and Ryan Knight about LeBron’s latest move, Indiana’s place in the conference and what the Pacers’ road back to the NBA Finals could look like. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back with another episode of Fever Focus, breaking down another eventful week for the Indiana Fever. The guys begin by recapping Indiana's record-setting victory over the Connecticut Sun, discussing the team's offensive explosion, the biggest takeaways from the win and why this performance was another encouraging sign as the Fever head into the second half of the season. Next, Casey dives into the recent USA Today article surrounding Caitlin Clark, sharing his thoughts on the reporting, the conversation it has sparked and what it all means for Clark as she continues to navigate the spotlight. To close out the show, Alex and Casey play one of their favorite games: Stock Up or Stock Down, evaluating every player on the Fever roster based on their performance and trajectory at the midway point of the season. Topics include: Indiana's historic night against Connecticut The biggest takeaways from the Fever's dominant victory Casey's thoughts on the recent USA Today article about Caitlin Clark Which players have seen their stock soar Which players still have something to prove Midseason evaluations for the entire Fever roster Looking ahead to what's next for Indiana as the playoff race heats up It's another fun episode filled with game analysis, thoughtful discussion and plenty of Fever talk as Alex and Casey take stock of where this team stands at the midway point of the season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back with Part 2 of their exclusive interview with Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan. After spending the first episode discussing the offseason additions and roster construction, the conversation shifts to the players already on the roster and Indiana's outlook moving forward. Chad shares incredible insight into the development of the Pacers' core, Tyrese Haliburton's recovery, the addition of Ivica Zubac, and what he believes this team is capable of over the coming years. Topics include: Andrew Nembhard's continued growth and expanding role An update on Tyrese Haliburton's recovery after missing last season and the areas he wants to improve What the organization wants to see from Haliburton moving forward Expectations for Ivica Zubac and how his style of play addresses some of Indiana's biggest weaknesses Why Obi Toppin remains such an important piece of the Pacers' success The leadership of Pascal Siakam and how he has found his voice as a leader of this team What Aaron Nesmith learned from last season and his increased on-ball responsibilities How much longer T.J. McConnell can continue playing at such a high level Where Chad believes the Pacers improved this offseason and the areas the current roster can still get better A terrific behind-the-scenes story from Rick Carlisle's 1,000th career coaching victory celebration Potential contract extensions for several key players How long the organization plans to give this core to prove it can compete for championships And much more from one of the NBA's top front offices. If you enjoyed Part 1, you won't want to miss the conclusion of this outstanding conversation with Chad Buchanan. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to the Fever Focus Podcast where the vibes are HIGH!  Listen as Alex Golden and Casey Johnson break down the weekend that was, including a back-to-back featuring two wins and more than a little history! Featuring: Caitlin Clark scores the fastest 45 and 10 game in history! Kelsey Mitchell cannot miss. The Fever team starting to find their groove. Ty Harris settling in and being the perfect backup.   Then, the conversation naturally shifts over to: is this a Fever team that, if they play like this, can win a championship?   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan for an in-depth conversation that spans more than an hour. Because there was so much to discuss, we're bringing you this exclusive interview in two parts. In Part 1, Chad provides tremendous insight into the Pacers' offseason decisions, roster construction and player development, while also sharing his thoughts on several of Indiana's young players and what's ahead before training camp. Topics include: Why the Pacers targeted Kelly Oubre Jr. in free agency and what he brings to the roster The decision to move on from Micah Potter in favor of signing Larry Nance Jr. Whether Jay Huff has the inside track to becoming Indiana's backup center The decision to bring Kobe Brown back on a two-way contract Whether there was ever any internal discussion about pursuing LeBron James The competition for Indiana's three two-way contract spots Moving on from Taelon Peter and agreeing to a deal with Jalen Slawson Whether the Pacers plan to fill the open 15th roster spot before the season and the pros and cons of doing so Why bringing back Quenton Jackson was such a priority Chad's biggest Summer League takeaways, including his thoughts on Braden Smith, Jalen Slawson and Rienk Mast Johnny Furphy's rehab, his development from last season and where Chad sees his game heading The next steps for Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker Whether Jarace has the potential to become Indiana's version of OG Anunoby, and what it will take for him to reach that level This is Part 1 of an outstanding conversation with one of the NBA's most respected executives. Don't miss it! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci wrap up their evaluation of the Indiana Pacers' offseason by answering one big question: Did the Pacers do enough in free agency? Piggybacking off yesterday's episode, where they graded each of Indiana's offseason moves individually, the guys zoom out to evaluate the offseason as a whole. They discuss how each addition and roster decision fits together, whether the Pacers addressed their biggest needs, and if the front office did enough to keep Indiana in the championship conversation. Topics include: A final evaluation of Indiana's free agency How Kelly Oubre Jr., Larry Nance Jr., Braden Smith, Kobe Brown and Quenton Jackson fit into the bigger picture Whether the Pacers improved enough to compete in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference What questions still remain heading into training camp Whether Indiana should feel confident with its current roster or continue exploring ways to improve Please note: This episode was recorded before the news that Taelon Peter was waived, so that transaction is not discussed. Thanks for listening, and as always... Go Pacers! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Michael J. Facci are back with a report card for the Indiana Pacers' offseason. Now that the bulk of free agency is behind them and the roster is beginning to take shape, the guy's grade each of the Pacers' five major offseason moves and explain what they liked, what they questioned and how each transaction impacts Indiana's championship aspirations. The moves discussed include: Kelly Oubre Jr. signing a two-year deal Waiving Micah Potter and signing Larry Nance Jr. Bringing Kobe Brown back on a two-way contract Trading Kam Jones for Braden Smith on draft night Retaining Quenton Jackson and converting his contract into a fully guaranteed standard NBA deal For each move, Alex and Facci assign a letter grade, explain the reasoning behind it and discuss how each decision fits into the Pacers' long-term vision and win-now window. Which move deserves an A? Which one leaves the guys wanting more? And how would they grade Indiana's offseason as a whole? It's another fun offseason episode as the guys hand out grades for every major move the Pacers have made this summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to another episode of the Fever Focus Podcast! Join Alex Golden and Casey Johnson as they break down everything from the Fever's disappointing loss to the Golden State Valkyries to start their homestand.  The guys break down why this loss was predictable, then discuss the extent to which the Fever can even be faulted for their poor play in the face of the buzz saw defense of the Valkyries. The Fever put together a good run to close the gap between the two teams, but ultimately were gassed as they tried to take advantage and keep the lead around. Then, because this is the Fever after all, the topic shifts to the officiating, as it seems Caitlin Clark has had enough and is teaching a breaking point. Our cohosts largely agree: it's one thing to complain to the refs when you're wrong, but Caitlin is right most of the time she complains, and the refs rarely end up being the ones who come out looking well in these situations.  Then, Alex and Casey end on a more positive note, talking aboht the All-Star Game, unique match ups on both teams, and the potential winners and losers of the game.  Join us for a spirited discussion, plenty of ground covered, and maybe a bit more optimism than you're used to with Fever discussion, all here on Fever Focus!  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NgKuMiCqBTU?si=Wh25IEtpWszJIgzV Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Facci is joined by Destin Adams for another fun offseason edition of Setting The Pace, and there's no shortage of topics to dive into. The guys kick things off by discussing the latest buzz surrounding LeBron James and whether his highly anticipated announcement could finally reveal where he'll play next season. Could the Pacers really have a chance, or is it all just offseason speculation? They also break down the Pacers' Summer League performances, discussing who has impressed the most, what they've learned from the team's young players, and what still needs to be proven before training camp. Other topics include: Braden Smith's Summer League performance and early takeaways Jalen Slawson's continued development and chances of earning a bigger role Why Quenton Jackson earning a fully guaranteed contract is a significant win for both the player and the Pacers What Jackson's deal means for Indiana's roster heading into the season Final thoughts on whether LeBron's next chapter will be revealed sooner rather than later A fun offseason episode full of Summer League analysis, roster talk, contract news and, of course, plenty of LeBron speculation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to break down everything Rick Carlisle had to say during the Pacers' Summer League broadcast, and there was plenty to unpack. The guys discuss Carlisle's comments on Tyrese Haliburton, Ivica Zubac and Jarace Walker, including why the Pacers believe Zubac is such a seamless fit with their roster and the areas where the coaching staff wants to see Jarace continue to develop. Then, Alex and Facci dive into what could become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason and training camp: Jarace Walker vs. Ben Sheppard. Topics include: Rick Carlisle's latest thoughts on Haliburton, Zubac and Jarace Why Zubac's fit with Indiana may be even better than fans realize The next step in Jarace Walker's development Why the battle between Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard could determine one of the Pacers' most important bench roles Which player has the inside track to earning the backup wing minutes next to Kelly Oubre Jr. How this competition could shape Indiana's rotation entering the season A loaded episode breaking down Rick Carlisle's comments and one of the most intriguing position battles the Pacers will have all offseason. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are joined by the television voice of the Indiana Fever, Pat Boylan, for a comprehensive midseason review of one of the WNBA's most fascinating teams. Pat shares his perspective on where the Fever stand at the halfway point of the season, what they've overcome to get here, and what he believes is possible over the final stretch of the year. Topics include: The Fever's first-half successes and biggest challenges What the team must improve to reach its full potential The overall ceiling for this Indiana squad Caitlin Clark's season, her continued growth and what the team looks like with her on the floor Why the Fever have remained so successful even during Clark's absence Aliyah Boston's outstanding play and continued development Kelsey Mitchell's All-Star caliber season How Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen have handled the power forward position Makayla Timpson's memorable game-saving block and why Pat considers it the moment of the season so far Raven Johnson's impressive rookie campaign Sophie Cunningham's impact as one of the league's best players off the bench Where the Fever could ultimately finish this season and what a successful playoff run would look like It's a wide-ranging conversation packed with insight, perspective and plenty of basketball as Pat Boylan helps Alex and Casey evaluate the Fever's season at the midway point and look ahead to what's next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden goes solo on today's episode of Setting The Pace to break down one of the most fascinating NBA hypotheticals of the offseason: Could the Indiana Pacers actually land LeBron James and Bronny James? With multiple reports suggesting LeBron could be willing to sign for the veteran's minimum, Alex explains why Indiana may be a more realistic basketball fit than many of the teams being discussed. Topics include: Why the Pacers make sense from a basketball perspective Tyrese Haliburton's relationship with LeBron James Whether LeBron's upcoming live Mind the Game podcast with Haliburton in New York City means anything How Indiana could create the necessary financial flexibility by making a simple trade for Bronny James Why adding LeBron to the Pacers' current core could immediately elevate their championship chances Then, Alex shifts his attention to Summer League, recapping Indiana's 94-93 loss to the Toronto Raptors. He discusses: Which players stood out despite the loss The positives and negatives from the game Braden Smith's continued struggles Early Summer League takeaways and what to watch moving forward A fun episode combining LeBron speculation, roster construction and Summer League analysis as the Pacers continue navigating a fascinating offseason. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.