Alex Golden is joined by Derek Schultz for an episode that has a little bit of everything.

We start with the surprising news that Tyrese Haliburton is dealing with shingles — what this means for his recovery timeline and what fans should realistically expect moving forward.

Then we discuss the Pacers dropping three straight games out of the All-Star break. While the losses sting, they’ve also boosted Indiana’s draft lottery positioning. Is losing games better for the team in the long run, or could this decision hurt them later?

Despite the loss, Kobe Brown poured in a career-high scoring night. What are we seeing from him lately, and is there more there than initially expected?

We also revisit the Ivica Zubac trade — what Indiana gave up, why they made the move, and how we’re feeling about it now with more context.

And to close it out… we fire up Tankathon and spin the wheel twice for the final two games to see what fate has in store.

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On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Mike Facci break down what the loss means for Indiana’s Top-4 odds and why the jump from fourth to second is important.

We also dive into the on-court developments:

• Jarace Walker’s big game and what it says about his continued growth and confidence
• Jay Huff playing meaningful, productive minutes and making his case in the rotation
• Taelon Peter finding his three-point shot, showing real progress offensively
• And injury updates on Kam Jones and Aaron Nesmith, and how their absences are impacting the rotation and evaluation process

Then we zoom out...With reports that the league is preparing to enforce stricter anti-tanking rules beginning in 2027, we discuss what that could mean for teams like Indiana moving forward. Is this the final window for strategic positioning? And how might the NBA reshape draft incentives?

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Alex Golden and Mike Facci wrap up the February Mailbag with Part 4!

This one dives into long-term planning and front office dynamics.

With Tyrese Haliburton working his way back and TJ McConnell battling injuries, do the Pacers prioritize drafting a young point guard in the second round… or bring in a proven veteran to stabilize the bench?

We discuss:

• When Indiana should realistically address the backup PG spot
• Thoughts on Braden Smith as a late first/early second-round option
• Whether the Pacers even have a second-round pick to work with
• And how much influence Rick Carlisle truly has in roster construction

Plus:

• James Johnson’s future with the team
• How much longer Rick coaches in Indiana
• And the ongoing “tanking” debate — are the Pacers actually doing it?

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Alex Golden and Mike Facci are BACK to answer more of your mailbag questions!

With Bennedict Mathurin gone, the Pacers are clearly missing that spark-plug scoring punch off the bench. Do you replace that production with a veteran 6th-man type in free agency? Or, if Indiana lands a Top-4 pick, can a rookie realistically fill that void right away?

We also debate:

• Has Quenton Jackson earned a rotation spot over Sheppard?
• Which realistic names around the league could replace Mathurin’s bench scoring?
• Will Indiana adjust its offense to better fit Ivica Zubac?
• How much will Zu’s interior defense impact this team in 2026/27?
• And are we seriously parking Zubac in the corner? If so… why trade for him?

Plus, we touch on draft assets and second-round pick flexibility.

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Alex and Facci are back with February Mailbag Pt. 2, and this one is all about big-picture roster decisions.

We dive into the 2026 pick scenario — if the selection conveys to the Clippers at 5–9, do the Pacers pivot aggressively in free agency to make up for the lost asset? Or do they stay patient and bet on internal development, hoping Jarace Walker (or another young piece) makes the leap?

Then we tackle the ultimate draft dilemma:

If this is viewed as a 3-player draft and Indiana lands at No. 4… what’s the move? Trade up? Trade out? Stand firm and trust your board?

And of course, the backup center conversation isn’t going anywhere.

We discuss:

• What archetype makes the most sense behind Zubac
• Whether an offense-first option like Huff is redundant
• If a defensive presence (Yves Missi type?) is the smarter route
• And the reliability debate: Potter vs Huff

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On Episode 1 of the February Mailbag, Alex Golden and Michael Facci answer your questions.

“Lottery & League Politics”

• Tanking fine — could this cost the 2026 1st or future draft capital? (Iron Charger)
• Will the recent fine deter the Pacers from tanking? (VerRuddison)
• What should they do after the punishment? Get creative? Lean in? (Crystal)
• How creative do we get with lineups now that the NBA is watching? (Josh)
• Bottom-4 record vs protecting pick, lottery odds breakdown (Nick Ogren)

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Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan joins Setting The Pace for an in-depth conversation about the direction of the franchise and the decisions shaping its future.

We discuss:

• The trade deadline deal for Ivica Zubac and why Indiana felt it was the right move
• The reality of this team’s championship window
• What fans should realistically expect when Tyrese Haliburton returns
• The continued growth of Pascal Siakam — both on and off the floor
• Where Jarace Walker has made the biggest strides
• The improvements from Andrew Nembhard this season
• Indiana’s open roster spot and the evaluation of Quenton Jackson

And in one of the more candid parts of the interview, Chad reflects on how difficult it was to trade two players drafted and developed in-house, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson.

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It’s Part 2 of our crossover with The Pacers Post Up — and this one is all about tough decisions.

Alex Golden is joined Brad and Ryan Knight to break down a hypothetical expansion draft scenario: if Indiana can only protect 8 players, who makes the cut?

We debate:

• The untouchables
• The tough calls
• The young upside swings
• And which veterans might be left exposed

Then we zoom out.

Looking ahead to next season, what does this Pacers roster still need? Another creator? More size? Defensive versatility? A microwave scorer? We connect the expansion draft conversation to the bigger picture of roster construction and long-term sustainability.

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