The Pacers, who made the Eastern Conference finals a season ago, are led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Siakam (20.2 points per game) was an All-Star in 2025, while Haliburton got better as the season progressed. He averaged 20.6 points and 11 assists per game after the All-Star break.

Both Cleveland and Indiana boast deep rosters that deliver in the clutch, which should make for a competitive semifinals clash.

The Pacers can put the Bucks in the rearview mirror and turn their attention to a team that will require all of it: the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers