Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Alex Golden is joined by Ben Brooks to discuss the Pacers heartbreaking loss to one of their rivals, the New York Knicks, 114-113. Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam had phenomenal games, but the Knicks fight from their second unit kept them in the game once Indiana had established double-digit leads. We discuss all that came from this game and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Caitlin Cooper is BACK to answer the remaining questions Alex and Facci have for her about the current and future of the team!Here are questions 6-10 from our 10 Burning Questions Series!Obi Toppin's injury, and will impact him long term?Pacers cut RayJ Dennis for Ethan Thompson. How does ET fit this team and what have you liked?Pascal Siakam's awesome season, what type of center does he need to play next to and will his game age well?Are we seeing a slight decline in McConnell's overall play?Aside from a healthy Tyrese, and a starting center, what is this team missing the most?We also discuss Kam Jones returning from injury to play with the Boom on Sunday, and how that whole injury really set him back with a great chance to play due to all the injuries.  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 joined by Mike Scotto of HoopsHype to discuss the latest buzz, news and rumors around the league! Here are the topics discussed in today's show:Pacers rumored interest in Keon EllisJarace Walker a name to monitor?Teams watching closely to what Indiana does with Benn MathurinPacers in the market for a center? Who?Bucks trying to fix things with Giannis?If Bucks move Giannis, what players also could be on the move?Boston Celtics latest intelPelicans once again find themselves in a bad spot record wise...what's next?Clippers in a tough spot with no draft pick this year. How does that impact their willingness to make trades?MORE 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 are joined by the amazing Caitlin Cooper, of Basketball She Wrote. Today, Caitlin answers 5 of the 10 burning questions we have about the team in Pt. 1 of our podcast! Topics for today's show:How has Benn Mathurin improved as a defender this season?What has been the reason for Jarace Walker's inconsistent play?Thoughts on Andrew Nembhard as the lead ball handler and playing without Tyrese Haliburton?Is the Center by Committee working for the Pacers, or do they need to address the starting Center position? Who or What Type of Center fits best with this team?In a small sample size, what did you think of Aaron's play early on this season, specifically being asked to be more of an on-ball scorer?  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 is joined by Marc Dykton of 107.5 The Fan, to discuss the horrific effort we saw from the Pacers on Sunday night, where the Pacers lost by 19-points to the WORST team in the NBA. The guys dive into why this is the worst loss of the season, a video shared on twitter that showed Pascal dejected during the game, and some postgame comments made by Jay Huff.Then, the guys pivot and discuss John Cena's last match, whether or not the ending was the right booking or not, Alex and Marc share their Mount Rushmore of WWE wrestlers and ponder who could be the next great to retire. To end the show, the guys discuss Old Man Rivers leading the Colts to a near road victory against the BEST team in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks. What we thought of the Colts efforts and where the Colts go in the offseason with so much uncertainty.  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 round out the December Mailbag with these 7 questions!1). @spenlodundoes anyone else think Cam Boozer is a viable option at center if we can get a top 3 pick? i've heard no one mention this 2). @N-B-MMABesides another legit center what other position do you think we need the most help on? 3). @AIL_A_Guy_NeedsSTP love yall. Still need to go try my bagel sandwich. My question I have for yall is if we're resigning Mathurin who is out the door? I am 100% confident herb ain't paying the tax so who's the next man out. 4). @jerronperry309Hey guys, I feel that time is up for ljax, Nembhard and Walker to be on the block with us getting a high lottery pick, move mathurin to the 2 and keep neismith at the 3. Can we get that center via trade? 5). @jakeriley3738Do you guys think it's time to give QJax a standard contract? and if Ethan Thompson continues to play well for us Do you also maybe consider a guy like him as well? Love the pod.  6). @N-B-MMAWhat 4 guys are you nost excited to see play with tyrese next season? 7). brianroederIs Facci secretly rooting for the Wizards to get the 1st pick next season? It's a tight race. 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 to answer more questions from the December Mailbag! Join the Setting the Pace CHAT Group on Chat BCC...going to kick it off strong in 2026 with some SUPER cool prizes/giveaways. 1). David Cole @David Cole 24Do you think a top 4 pick forces a consolidation trade, and who gets sent out? 2). David Cole @David Cole 24 Do you think the Pacers trade the draft pick in a win-now move or keep it? (Asking what you think the organization WILL do, not SHOULD do) 3). David Cole @David Cole 24 How much do you think it will cost to keepMathurin here? 4). Rooster @roosterbra812Reports pelicans may listen to offers on Herb. Do we still want him and what would you trade for him? 5). Rooster @roosterbra812Rank these players in terms of who you think will be on the team the longest.MathurinJaraceJREEthan ThompsonFurphySheppard 6). Rooster @roosterbra812Also, rank these players in terms of which one you'd want to be next years starting 5ObiHuffWareEdeyZubacKessler 7). djstylisticI think Matherin and Walker have the best chances to be trade. What do you think the best trade packages we can get for each player and what could we get if we combine them together.Feel free to add anything like other players, picks or cash to make deal work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please join our the Setting The Pace Group Chat on Chat BCC!On today's episode of Setting The Pace, Alex and Facci answer the following Mailbag Questions:1). Geoff Ferrer @Boys1974115307I look forward to hearing the episode. What do you two think is the best choice: trade our draft pick in 2026 or use the draft pick? I feel like the team is in such an obvious win-now mode that draft and develop isn't the best option. Low-hanging fruit, I know, but I'm curious. 2). Geoff Ferrer @Boys1974115307At what point do we stick with a rotation of players, for development purposes, and disregard the W-L column? I know continuity is been the biggest issue this year. Don't we need to get the younger guys into consistent roles to adequately assess their fit for the team next year? 3). Alexandre Mendes @AlexVTMendesConsidering the 26/27 season, what piece is missing from this Pacers roster? Who is a trade asset? 4). Ed Helinski @MrEd315In your estimation, is there any hope for this season or has it already gone kaput? 5). Pacer Faithful @jlh0215Give your percentage likelihood for each:The Pacers make a trade this seasonSiakam makes an all star or all nba team (he should)Jarace is on the roster next yearOver/under for each:4. 37: Mathurin's 3p% to end the season5. 17: Tyrese's ppg in the '26-'27 season 6). CF - @CFalcon31 I still believe this team needs a pure shooter on the roster. Is there a name out there you think would be a good additon? I personally like Corey Kispert. 7). jessehobbs6 Will the pacers make a trade this season? 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 recap the Indiana Pacers 11-point win over the Sacramento Kings! The Big 3 of Siakam, Nembhard and Mathurin were sensational; Jarace Walker had a strong performance off the bench; Ethan Thompson got his first ever NBA start; Jay Huff continues to protect the rim at an elite level and the PEP IN THE STEP IS BACK!Remember, when the Pacers WIN, you win too! Get a FREE side or drink at Ripple Bagel & Deli with your purchase if you show them you are subscribed to Setting The Pace. Also, try the Setting The Pace sandwich, which is ONLY available at Ripple Bagel & Deli.  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 have a loaded show today, as they discuss the Indiana Pacers getting their first road win of the season against the lowly Chicago Bulls. Ethan Thompson, newly signed 2-way player, shined in his opportunity off the bench posting the 2nd most minutes, a team best plus-minus and shooting at an efficient level. The guys discuss his play, Ben Sheppard's injury, Jarace Walker being benched the entire 2nd half, Garrison Mathews getting the start at the 3, the great games by Siakam and Mathurin, as well as the continued solid play of Jay Huff. The guys close out the show discussing non Pacers stuff, where Alex celebrates the Indiana Hoosiers winning the Big Ten Tournament Championship over Ohio State, Facci's Broncos get another ugly victory and Notre Dame gets left out of the College Football Playoff.  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 Young Simba to share trade ideas for a starting center. Could Zubac actually be gettable? Is there an under the radar center like Yves Missi that could make sense for the Pacers? Who else is even a potential candidate? Please help us out and join our Chat Group at Chat BCC for a chance to win some really cool prizes, and tickets to an upcoming game in 2026! Join Chat BCC by CLICKING THIS LINK. LIKE THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBESUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNELLEAVE A 5 STAR RATING ON THE AUDIO PLATFORMS Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden goes solo (Facci OUT sick ) to recap the Pacers 135-120 to the Nuggets with a "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" segment.   In "The Good" Alex talks about: Furphy, Toppin, Shepp, TJ, Mathews, Wheel of Fortune, RayJ, Lineup Data, 3PT shooting and MORE!In "The Bad" Alex talks about: 2P% from a specific player, 3P% from a certain player, Mathurin's turnovers, Murray's nightIn "The Ugly" Alex talks about: ANOTHER OPPONENT RUN decimates the Pacers chances in this game...Alex also goes through each run this season that has put the Pacers so far behind that they're not able to comeback from. In addition to that, the 4-18 record and finding beauty in the ugliness.Lastly! Please Please Please...SIGN UP for our AMAZING Pacers Chat room over at CHAT BCC! We are relaunching our partnership with Chat BCC in January with some AMAZING new giveaways that you will not want to miss out on! CLICK THIS LINK to join our Group Chat! 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 Kent Sterling to discuss a handful of things. They talk about the importance of Rick Carlisle, how his vision of winning basketball changed the trajectory of the franchise and what makes him such a successful coach. The guys also touch on the greatness of Tyrese Haliburton and what the loss of him to this season has meant to several players (here on the Pacers or elsewhere). In addition to that, they touch on how awesome Siakam has been, how every team needs a little crazy (Benn Mathurin), how Andrew Nembhard has looked as the lead point guard, what a top draft pick would mean to next year's team and so much more! Lastly, Alex and Kent touch on Myles Turner, how the Bucks are sliding right now and how Turner's numbers have regressed significantly, and Kent shares a story of an interview he did with Myles early in his NBA career that foreshadowed the type of player he will be for the rest of his NBA days.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Facci is joined by David Cole to recap the Pacers 135-119 loss to the Cavaliers. The guys get into what went wrong in this game, how player performed individually, and newest member of the Pacers, Ethan Thompson made his NBA debut in the 4th quarter, where he scored his first ever NBA points! 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 joined by Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star to discuss what to make of the Indiana Pacers 20-games through the season. The guys specifically touch on: Waiving of RayJ Dennis, Signing Ethan Thompson to a 2-way dealPascal Siakam's All-Star Level PlayHave the Pacers found something with Huff and I Jax?Early Impressions of Andrew Nembhard being the primary point guardWhat Jarace Walker needs to improve onPacers Defense has been solid the last 3 games, why is that the case? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden goes solo to discuss the Pacers defeating the Bulls on Pascal Siakam's game winning buzzer beater. In addition to the play of Siakam, Jay Huff was phenomenal on both ends of the floor and Alex shares how his play on both ends of the floor impacted the game for the Pacers. Alex also touches on Isaiah Jackson's solid bench performance, what makes TJ McConnell so impactful, Andrew Nembhard returns from injury, and the one area Alex wants to see him improve, as well as the play from Benn Mathurin.Later in the show, Alex discusses the runs both the Pacers and Bulls went on in this game. How close the statistics were for both teams and how it came down to which team was going to have the last positive run was going to win. Lastly, Alex also points out how the lineup of TJ, Drew, Benn, Pascal and Jay have played well together of late and why that lineup has had success.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Golden goes solo to recap the Pacers 33-point victory over the Washington Wizards, breaking their NBA Cup losing streak! Pascal Siakam was dominant, Benn Mathurin had another 20-point game, 6 Pacers scored in double figures, with 2 other Pacers scoring 9-points. Jay Huff and Ben Sheppard start with Andrew Nembhard out with an injury, and they both played well. Alex also discusses recent rumors that linked the Pacers to Jonathan Kuminga, again. In addition to that, he discusses some college hoops, because on Thanksgiving, Caleb Wilson and Cam Boozer had impressive games for UNC and Duke. These are 2 of the projected Top 5 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.To end the show, Alex shares why he hasn't been the biggest fan of the NBA Cup and what changes he would make to it to improve it. The Pacers have added two games to their schedule with the result of the NBA Cup and Johnny Furphy was assigned to the Boom for his ankle injury rehab.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Black Friday Pacer Nation! On a special episode of Setting The Pace, Alex Golden brings on twin brothers, Jake and Isaac as our Fans of the Week! Today, we dive into why Jake is such a believer in Benn Mathurin, why Isaac isn't as big of a fan despite liking him as a player and what it is about him that is so intriguing. Then, the guys dive into a discussion about Jarace Walker and why it is so hard for him to put consistent effort into each game.To wrap up the show, Alex continues his annual "What Thanksgiving food represents each Pacer" to have a fun, unique, conversation as to how guys fit into this team. Example: What Pacer player is the Mac and Cheese of the Thanksgiving meal. We each bring a different approach to this topic, and you will never guess how Kam Jones was brought into the conversation without playing a single minute for the Pacers this season. We hope everyone enjoys this not-so-serious gimmicky topic and had the BEST Thanksgiving! 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 Bryse Colwell to discuss the Pacers 97-95 loss to the Raptors, where Brandon Ingram hit the game winning shot with 0.6 seconds left. The guys discuss how a 22-0 Raptors run to end the 2nd quarter and start the 3rd was ultimately what did the Pacers in. McConnell was phenomenal off the bench, Mathurin had a strong 4th, Sheppard had a really nice game, Jarace started off strong but had some lolls in the 2nd half and Pascal had won of his worst games of the season. Then, Alex and Bryse discuss Keon Ellis being linked to the Pacers in Mike A. Scotto's recent article on HoopsHype. What type of deal would it take to land the talented, defensive minded and three-point shooting guard? Then, they discuss Kevin Pritchard publicly laughing at a "report" on twitter suggesting Indiana could trade TJ McConnell.  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 go back-and-forth with the Pacers roster, sharing what they are thankful for with each Pacers player. With it being the "Thanksgiving Season", the guys felt this would be a fun and good way to spread that Thanksgiving spirit before tomorrow's holiday.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.