Pacers are forcing folks to pay attention. Get to know back-to-back Eastern Conference finalists
It's OK if you're just getting to know these Indiana Pacers. Back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year running, it seems the national audience is finally coming around to the fact this team is actually good and last year wasn't a fluke.
IndyStar Pacers Insider Dustin Dopirak has written some of the most in-depth stories about the team and its roster. Get to know the players who will take centerstage in the ECF:
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton didn't have a major Division I scholarship offer as a junior. Now he's the Pacers' cornerstone and highest-paid player in history. Read more of his rise to one of the most clutch players in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Pascal Siakam
Since his arrival midseason last year, Pascal Siakam hasn't tried to take over the Pacers, but simply provide what it was missing. Read more about Siakam's journey from studying to be a priest to turning these young Pacers into believers.
Aaron Nesmith
Aaron Nesmith has become one of the Pacers' most important players because he always signs up for the dirty-work jobs. Read more on his rise from the swamps of South Carolina to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Andrew Nembhard
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton calls Andrew Nembhard 'the perfect puzzle piece.' It's how he was raised and why he's a key to the Pacers success. Read more about Indiana's silent assassin, whose quiet confidence is built for the postseason.
Bennedict Mathurin
Bennedict Mathurin is unapologetic about how good he believes he is and can be, but his confidence comes from his work ethic as much as his talent. Read more about the Pacers' top bench scorer who bets on himself to be the best.
T.J. McConnell
T.J. McConnell's production off the bench has been such an indispensable part of the Pacers and their return to the Eastern Conference Finals that it's hard to imagine where they would be without him. Read more about his journey from going undrafted to become one of LeBron James' "favorite players in the NBA right now."
Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin's New York homecoming didn't go as planned, but his trade from the Knicks to the Pacers seems to have him in a perfect situation. Read more about Toppin's fit in the Pacers run-and-gun style.
Jarace Walker
Pacers forward Jarace Walker spent four years at IMG Academy building his game, but was kept grounded by the discipline instilled by his parents. He doesn't play a ton, but the second-year player has provided key contributions in the playoffs. Read more about his journey to NBA.
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