Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Mike Facci is joined by Mark Montieth to discuss Ivica Zubac making his Indiana Pacers debut, giving fans their first look at the team’s new center and how he fits into the offense and defense moving forward. The debut, however, came during a rough stretch for Indiana as the Pacers dropped their 11th straight game. Facci and Montieth break down what they saw from Zubac in his first appearance and what expectations should realistically be for him going forward. The conversation then zooms out as Mark shares perspective on previous struggling Pacers teams, comparing this stretch to other difficult seasons in franchise history and what ultimately helped those teams turn things around. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex Golden is joined by Kent Sterling for a wide-ranging episode of Setting The Pace. The guys begin by diving into the Top 4 prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft (pre–March Madness) and debating which player would fit best with the Pacers. They also discuss whether a rookie could realistically step in and start over one of Indiana’s established players, or if the team would ease a top pick into the rotation. Then things get a little spicy. Kent shares his Top 5 dumbest quotes from Myles Turner, sparking a conversation about Turner’s tenure in Indiana and why, in hindsight, his departure may have been the right move for the franchise long-term. To close the show, the guys turn their attention to Jarace Walker, discussing why this season could end up being the turning point in his development and what his growth could mean for the Pacers moving forward. If you're interested in playing in recurring podcast guest, David Cole's Survivor Indianapolis, APPLY HERE! -- You can also email David survivorindianapolis@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden is joined by David Cole to recap the “Battle for the Bottom” matchup, as the Pacers fall to the Kings and officially secure the worst record in the NBA. The guys break down the game, including Devin Carter erupting for 24 second-half points to power Sacramento to the comeback victory. They also highlight some strong performances from Indiana despite the loss, including Aaron Nesmith setting a first-half career high, Kam Jones knocking down a career-high number of threes, and Obi Toppin continuing to see increased minutes since returning from injury. To close the show, Alex and David have some fun with a “First Overall Picks Draft”, selecting from the #1 picks between 2017–2026 to build their ideal starting fives. Game recap, lottery implications, player performances and a fun draft exercise to wrap things up. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! APPLY TO BE ON SURVIVOR INDIANAPOLIS! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by FanDuel Sports Network’s Jeremiah Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of the Indiana Pacers. Jeremiah shares his perspective from being around the team all season, discussing where things currently stand, what he’s seen from the roster, and how the Pacers could be positioned moving forward. Then the conversation shifts to something a little more fun. The guys debate their Mt. Rushmore of visiting NBA arenas — the road environments that stand out most across the league — along with a few travel stories along the way. And of course… laughs were had with several "white noise" jokes. A great mix of Pacers insight, NBA travel talk and plenty of laughs with one of the most familiar voices around the team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pacers drop their 9th straight game, and Alex and Facci are back to break it all down on Setting The Pace. The guys start with a recap of the latest loss and what continues to go wrong during Indiana’s extended skid. But with the season nearing its end, the conversation quickly shifts to evaluating the roster as a whole. Who has been the biggest disappointment for the Pacers this season? Which players have exceeded expectations and emerged as pleasant surprises? Alex and Facci go through the roster to highlight the performances that have stood out, discussing who has been disappointing and who has been surprising.  Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex Golden opens the show with a quick solo recap of the Pacers’ loss to the Lakers, where Luka Dončić erupted for 44 points in just three quarters, overwhelming Indiana in a dominant performance. Alex shares his thoughts on what went wrong for the Pacers and the defensive struggles that allowed Luka to take control of the game. Then, Noblesville Boom GM Chris Taylor joins the show to discuss several players who have recently made an impact within Indiana’s development pipeline. Chris shares insights on Jalen Slawson, Quenton Jackson, Taelon Peter, Kam Jones and Ethan Thompson, what each player has shown this season, and how their growth could factor into future opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex Golden is joined by Tom Lewis to look ahead to next season and make six bold predictions about the future of the Indiana Pacers. From potential breakout seasons to major team milestones, the guys each bring their hottest takes on what could be in store for Indiana next year. Will someone make a leap into stardom? Could the Pacers take a massive step up the Eastern Conference standings? Are there surprise contributors waiting to emerge? Alex and Tom each share three bold predictions and explain why they believe these outcomes are very much in play. Some may sound crazy now… but bold predictions are meant to be. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! The Pacers fall to the Clippers 130-107, but the final score wasn’t the biggest storyline of the night. For the first time since the Zubac trade, Indiana faced Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson — two players the Pacers drafted, developed and ultimately moved at the deadline. Naturally, all eyes were on how the former Pacers performed against their old team. Did Mathurin look like the scorer Clippers fans were hoping for? Did Isaiah Jackson flash the athleticism Pacers fans remember? And what did this matchup reveal about the trade from both sides? Alex and Casey Johnson break down the performances from Mathurin and Jackson, what stood out in the reunion game, and what this matchup told us about where both franchises are headed. Plus, the guys discuss Indiana’s struggles in the loss, what went wrong defensively, and the bigger picture implications as the Pacers continue navigating this late-season stretch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Mike Facci is joined by Keith Smith of Spotrac for a deep dive into the Indiana Pacers’ financial future and how upcoming decisions could shape the franchise. The guys break down what Indiana’s salary cap situation could look like next season, including how things change depending on whether the Pacers land a Top-4 pick in the draft or not. They also discuss the potential financial impact of extending Bennedict Mathurin, and what a contract north of $100 million could mean for the Clippers moving forward. Other topics include: The difference between being a luxury tax team and crossing the first apron Why Indiana made the move to acquire Ivica Zubac at the deadline despite not prioritizing short-term wins The broader conversation around tanking in today’s NBA And how the Eastern Conference landscape could shift next season with teams like Toronto, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Philadelphia all facing pivotal offseason decisions Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex Golden is joined by special guest Brett Evans for a big-picture conversation about refining the Pacers’ timeline. In what many have labeled a “gap season,” several unexpected contributors have shined like diamonds in the rough: Taelon Peter, Quenton Jackson, Ethan Thompson and Kam Jones have all made cases that Indiana’s depth and development infrastructure deserve real credit. Are these just flashes in a transitional year or legitimate rotation pieces for a rising contender? The guys discuss the importance of strategic patience, why Indiana doesn’t need to rush its championship window, and what it means to properly gatekeep your own talent instead of overreacting to outside noise. Plus, they zoom out and evaluate how the Pacers stack up in the Eastern Conference next season. Which teams are real threats? Who could make a leap? And where does Indiana realistically slot in if internal growth continues? This episode is about discipline. Development. And protecting the long-term vision. Refine the timeline. Don’t skip steps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! The Pacers have converted Quenton Jackson to a standard contract — a clear sign the organization values what he’s brought during this stretch. On this episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden and Mike Facci break down what the move means for Indiana’s roster flexibility, rotation outlook and long-term plans. We also dive into the recent play of Micah Potter. Is this simply inflated production on a struggling team? Or is Potter legitimately proving he deserves a spot in Indiana’s future plans? The guys debate whether what we’re seeing translates when the games matter more. Plus, we look ahead to the Pacers’ March schedule key matchups and how this stretch could shape draft positioning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Obi Toppin is back. After being out since October 26, Toppin returns to the lineup — but the Pacers fall for the fifth straight game as the late-season slide continues. On this episode of Setting The Pace, Ben Brooks joins Alex Golden and we break down: What Toppin’s return means for the rotation Encouraging flashes from Kam Jones Micah Potter continuing to capitalize on his opportunity Jay Huff’s role and where he fits moving forward With the losses piling up, the lottery positioning conversation isn’t going anywhere. The guys debate who should represent the Pacers at the draft lottery and what kind of message that sends. And of course…we fire up Tankathon and spin it twice for the final two games to see what fate has in store. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Alex opens the show with a quick but important round of updates: Johnny Furphy undergoes successful ACL surgery and what that means for his recovery timeline Obi Toppin is listed as questionable after being out since October 26 Ryan Carr departs the Pacers for Indiana University and what that could mean behind the scenes Then, Alex and Facci dive into one of the more fascinating exercises of the season. The guys rank the Pacers’ “developmental group” — essentially the bottom 10 players on the roster — to determine who holds the most value to the franchise outside of the established top 10 rotation pieces. Who has real upside? Who’s just depth? Who could actually factor into Indiana’s long-term plans?   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Setting The Pace, Mike Facci is joined by David Cole to unpack a situation that escalated quickly. Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACE and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Rick Carlisle revealed on his weekly 107.5 The Fan radio segment why the Pacers were fined $100,000 for violating the NBA’s Player Participation Policy. Carlisle said the league indicated the team could have medicated Aaron Nesmith, who was ruled out with a hand injury and unable to use it properly, in order to make him available. Those on-air comments prompted a response from an NBA spokesperson defending the league’s investigation and ruling. Pre-game, Carlisle doubled down, telling media he prioritizes player health above everything — and that both he and Nesmith were extremely bothered by the fine. But also said he was done talking about the matter.  Facci and David break down: The league’s reasoning Carlisle’s public response The balance between compliance and player safety And what this means for Indiana moving forward Plus, the Pacers fall for the fourth straight time, this time to Philadelphia, but not without a major bright spot. Micah Potter delivered a career night, pouring in 23 points and continuing to make the most of his opportunity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Scotto joins Alex Golden and Mike Facci for a big-picture NBA conversation that goes far beyond Indiana. We start with the recent uproar surrounding potential NBA Draft Lottery changes. Are the overreactions justified? Or is this simply the league trying to balance competitive integrity with long-term team building? Then we shift to the Pacers. Why Indiana made the move for Ivica Zubac What they gave up — and how the league views the deal And what Bennedict Mathurin’s future realistically looks like with the Clippers From there, we zoom ahead to the Summer of 2026. What are executives around the league preparing for? Which teams are positioning themselves? And why does Giannis Antetokounmpo once again loom as the storyline that could reshape everything?   Visit PrizePicks.com and use code PACE and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 spotThoughts on Braden Smith as a late first/early second-round optionWhether the Pacers even have a second-round pick to work withAnd how much influence Rick Carlisle truly has in roster constructionPlus:James Johnson’s future with the teamHow much longer Rick coaches in IndianaAnd the ongoing “tanking” debate — are the Pacers actually doing it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 ZubacWhether an offense-first option like Huff is redundantIf a defensive presence (Yves Missi type?) is the smarter routeAnd the reliability debate: Potter vs Huff Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.