Indiana Pacers Forward Closes In On First Game Since October

The Indiana Pacers were just moments away from their first-ever NBA Championship a year ago, but in 2025/26, things couldn't have gone worse for them. First, Tyrese Haliburton was ruled out for the season following his injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and then, entering the new year, they've dealt with plenty more injuries that have held them back.

All of that has led the team to a record of 15-44, and as of right now, the team has the second-best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick in what appears to be one of the most loaded draft classes in NBA history. Now, however, they're set to get a boost, with forward Obi Toppin set to return to the NBA for the first time since October, and while this would usually be a great boost, for a team last in the East, bringing him back now is a surprise move.

Sure, a team can't hold everyone out to continue tanking, but given how important a top-two pick would be in this upcoming draft, it's a surprise that the team wouldn't shut him down for the remainder of the 2025/26 regular season.

With a healthy Toppin, Haliburton, and a top pick for the 2026/27 season, this Pacers team is one that could bounce back in a big way and make a deep run in the East, but for now, the former lottery pick is set to make his return for the stretch run.