Obi Toppin Reveals the Pacers High Expectations for 2025/26 Despite Injuries

The Indiana Pacers made a shock run to the NBA Finals a season ago, falling short to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the process. With great depth, there was optimism they could come back and do the same in 2025–26, but unfortunately, superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury while stretch five Myles Turner departed in free agency.

Given the healthy teams in the East like New York, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Orlando, many have ruled out the Pacers, especially with the loss of Haliburton, who emerged as a superstar in the postseason.

However, that hasn't bothered those still in the locker room, with forward Obi Toppin still believing this team can be great in 2025–26.

“Ty brings so much to the team, and it’s not hidden; everybody understands what he brings to the game. So it’s just something that everybody on the team has to do while we’re out there, just doing a little extra knowing what we’re missing and knowing what we need out there on the court, and just continue playing Pacers basketball. We’ve built the system here, and I feel like everybody has bought into the system. That’s why we’ve been so successful. If we continue doing that, we’re gonna still be great.”

With Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, and Pascal Siakam still on the roster, it's safe to say that this isn't a team that should be underestimated. Ultimately, the East is going to be very competitive once more, and if Toppin is right, this could be a team that steps up in the NBA Playoffs once more.