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The Pacers Post Up

Author: Brad and Ryan Knight, Bleav

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Brad and Ryan Knight, affectionately known as The Brothers of Basketball, are lifelong Indiana Pacers fans turned podcast hosts who bring heart, humor, and hoops knowledge to The Pacers Post Up, a show built entirely by fans, for fans.

Brad’s love for the Pacers dates back to the Reggie Miller era—the legendary playoff heroics, the fierce Eastern Conference Finals battles, and the team’s lone trip to the NBA Finals in 2000 are part of his basketball DNA. He still vividly remembers watching the Malice at the Palace unfold in his parents’ living room. That deep-rooted connection only grew over the years. Brad’s wife has been a Pacemate for 8 seasons, and he credits their parents’ investment in season tickets as a key part of the family’s shared bond with the Blue and Gold.

Ryan, a few years younger, missed the height of the Reggie era but became fully indoctrinated during the Paul George years—when the Pacers battled LeBron and the Heat year after year. A proud member of the G2 Fan Zone in the late 2010s and the world’s biggest Lance Stephenson fan, Ryan brings unapologetic energy and passion to the pod.

Together, Brad and Ryan launched The Pacers Post Up as a passion project to give Pacers fans a voice in the media landscape. Their goal has always been to deliver meaningful basketball conversation in a way that’s accessible, insightful, and fun. Whether diving into analytics and X’s and O’s or riding high on the emotional wave of a big win, their show strikes a balance that keeps fans informed and entertained.

Since launching, the brothers have followed the team from Vegas (for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament) to Paris (for the NBA Global Games), covered the All-Star Weekend in Indy, and chronicled this new golden era of Pacers basketball with playoff runs to the Eastern Conference Finals.

They bleed blue and gold and love nothing more than building community through the game that’s meant so much to their lives.
180 Episodes
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In this emergency injury update episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan break down the heartbreaking news rocking the Indiana Pacers: second-year forward Johnny Furphy has suffered a torn right ACL. Per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Furphy underwent an MRI in New York today after awkwardly landing following a dunk in Sunday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors. The results confirmed the tear, sidelining the promising Aussie swingman for the remainder of this already injury-ravaged season. This is yet another devastating blow for a Pacers team that’s been decimated by injuries. We discuss what Furphy’s absence means for the lineup, his breakout flashes this year, the mounting frustration in Indy, and whether this cursed season can find any silver lining. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Pacers first-round pick is officially on the line — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode, we take a full deep dive into the NBA Draft Lottery and what it means for Indiana’s future. With a top-4 protected pick, spots 5–9 heading to the Clippers, and 10–30 staying in Indy, every loss (and win) down the stretch matters. Miss the protection window this year, and the cost jumps to an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. We break down:how the NBA Draft Lottery actually works, The Pacers current lottery position and exact odds from every slot, what finish gives Indiana the best chance to land in the top 4, and just how tantalizing a shot at a loaded draft class could be — featuring names like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. This is the math, strategy, and reality check behind one of the most important Pacers picks in years that all the sudden just got WAY more interesting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We take a deeper dive on the Ivica Zubac trade and close the book on the Bennedict Mathurin era in Indiana. In this episode, we make our last, clearest case for why this deal had to happen — why moving Benn was necessary, and why the Pacers ultimately nailed the timing and the return. We break down Zubac’s fit on both ends of the floor, how his physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence immediately change the identity of this team, and why having a bona fide starting center unlocks everything the Pacers want to be. With a legitimate defensive anchor in place and a potential top-4 pick looming, we zoom out and talk about where this franchise is headed next season — and why this move signals the Pacers are not just flirting with the future, but are ready to push their chips in and win now. This one is about clarity, conviction, and the start of the Pacers next real window. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Pacers just pushed every chip to the center of the table. Indiana lands Ivica Zubac in what can only be described as a home-run, win-now trade by Kevin Pritchard. Giving up Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first, the 2029 first, and a Dallas 2028 second isn’t cheap — but this is the exact type of swing championship teams have to make. Zubac brings elite size, physicality, rebounding, and defensive presence — everything this roster has been missing in the postseason. An All-NBA caliber defender last season, he instantly stabilizes the paint, changes matchups, and unlocks Indiana’s ceiling over the next few years. Big risk. Bigger belief. Kudos to Kevin Pritchard for getting his guy and officially putting the Pacers in championship mode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It was a busy and telling stretch at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers navigated back-to-back home games — and watched the trade landscape begin to shift around the league. The week starts with Pascal Siakam earning his spot as an NBA All-Star, a deserved recognition for being the steady anchor through a season filled with change. On the floor, Indiana runs into a physical Houston Rockets squad whose size proved overwhelming — dominating the Pacers on the glass and at the free-throw line in a close loss on Monday night. The follow-up against the Utah Jazz told a very different story. With Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Bennedict Mathurin all resting, the Pacers leaned heavily on their young core. Despite the loss, the young guys showed real flashes — energy, shot-making, and defensive activity — offering optimism in a night focused more on development than results. Brad and Ryan also zoom out to discuss the first trade dominoes beginning to fall around the league, what it could mean for Indiana as the deadline approaches, and how the Pacers fit into an increasingly active market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What started as an AI autocorrect gaff has turned into a running joke — and now, maybe something more. Brad and Ryan lean into the accidental nickname Jarace “Karate” Walker while breaking down the very real rise of Jarace Walker after an incredibly rough start to the season. Once written off by much of Pacers Nation, Jarace has quietly emerged from the ashes with a stretch of play that’s changing the conversation. Over the last month, the numbers — and the film — are finally lining up. The three-point shooting looks real, the turnovers are down, and his defensive impact is starting to pop, highlighted by his ninja-like hands (hence “Karate”) and a five-steal performance against Atlanta. Is this a real breakthrough? A sign of long-term growth? Maybe it’s just the beginning of what the Pacers hoped they were getting all along. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Brad and Ryan zoom out to survey the league — and then zoom back in on where the Indiana Pacers fit into the chaos. The conversation starts with the biggest potential domino of them all: Giannis Antetokounmpo — and what ripple effects a shift at the top could create across the association. From there, we work our way through other notable names and situations to monitor, separating real possibilities from noise. For Indiana, the focus sharpens around two key questions: Which centers might realistically be available — and at what cost? And does Bennedict Mathurin ultimately get moved before next Thursday’s deadline as the Pacers weigh value, fit, and timing? Big-picture league movement, Pacers-specific angles, and how everything could connect once the first domino falls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
For most of the night, it felt like another quiet, forgettable performance. Then everything flipped. The Indiana Pacers erase a 14-point deficit with a stunning 26–9 run to close the game, storming past the Chicago Bulls at home for win No. 12 on the season — their third victory over Chicago this year. Pascal Siakam led the charge with 13 points in the fourth quarter, while Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith delivered clutch shot-making when it mattered most. On the defensive end, Johnny Furphy and Nesmith made key stops down the stretch to seal the comeback. A game that looked destined to fade away turned into one of the Pacers most exciting finishes of the season — effort, execution, and belief showing up right on time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With All-Star reserve spots up for grabs, the margin is razor thin. Brad and Ryan break down the crowded field — roughly 9–10 legitimate candidates for 7 reserve spots — and make the case for why Pascal Siakam deserves to hear his name called. Despite the Pacers lack of team success, Siakam has quietly done more with less than many of his peers in the conversation. While others benefit from stability and surrounding talent, Pascal has been the steady anchor for a roster plagued by injuries, lineup changes, and constant rotation churn. Game winners. Night-to-night consistency. An elite all-around stat line. This episode lays out why coaches should reward impact, responsibility, and reliability — not just team record — when casting their votes for the NBA All-Star Game. Call it homerism if you want — but the case is real, and the production backs it up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Breaking Up With Benn

Breaking Up With Benn

2026-01-2634:13

There comes a point where potential, flashes, and hope have to give way to reality. In this episode, Brad and Ryan lay out the case for why it may be time for the Indiana Pacers to move on from Bennedict Mathurin — and do so while there’s still real value to be had. Mathurin, a former lottery pick, has shown undeniable scoring talent and delivered unforgettable moments — most notably his eruption in Game 3 of the NBA Finals last season. But as the sample size grows, those highs have increasingly become the exception rather than the rule. The all-around production, consistency, and fit within the Pacers identity simply haven’t followed. With restricted free agency looming and a potentially significant payday on the horizon, the front office faces a difficult question: is Mathurin a long-term building block — or an asset best moved before the league’s perception shifts further? This isn’t about denying the talent. It’s about timing, fit, and value. Sometimes, the hardest move is the right move, and simply put — it’s time to Break Up With Benn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Pacers walk back into Oklahoma City and do the most Pacers thing possible — they beat the NBA’s best team and exorcise some serious demons. Indiana avenges last year’s Game 7 heartbreak with a cathartic win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, delivering one of the most fun nights of an otherwise frustrating season. A career night from Jarace Walker, elite defense from Johnny Furphy in the starting lineup, and a near triple-double on hyper-efficient shooting from Andrew Nembhard powered the win. The Pacers did it shorthanded, too — without Tyrese Haliburton in the building, as he shared with Taylor Rooks that it was still too soon to return following his Game 7 Achilles injury. He made it clear though: the next time he’s in OKC, he plans to be in uniform. A night of redemption, release, and a reminder of what this group is capable of when it all clicks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We wrap up our three-part midseason report card series by tackling the most debated position on the roster: Center. Brad and Ryan hand out letter grades and classroom-style comps for every big man who’s logged minutes this season, breaking down roles, production, fit, and limitations within the Pacers’ system. We discuss what’s worked, what clearly hasn’t, and why the position remains the biggest unresolved question as the season hits its midpoint. The conversation zooms out to the bigger picture — how roster construction, matchup realities, and schematic needs have shaped the Pacers approach, and why the front office is almost certainly gearing up for change. Whether that answer comes via trade, the draft, or free agency, one thing is clear: the center position will define the next phase of this rebuild. Honest grades, clear-eyed evaluation, and a look ahead at what has to be addressed moving forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Part 2 of our midseason report card series turns the focus to the wings and forwards — the most versatile and identity-shaping group on the Pacers roster. Brad and Ryan hand out letter grades and classroom-style comps for the Pacers frontcourt and wing rotation, including Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, Johnny Furphy, and the rest of the group tasked with defending, spacing the floor, and bridging lineups on both ends. We evaluate production, role clarity, growth, and fit — who’s delivered, who’s developing, and who’s still finding consistency as the season hits its midpoint. The conversation also zooms out to examine how this group supports the core, what it means for lineup flexibility, and how these pieces factor into the Pacers long-term vision. Honest grades, fair critiques, and context for where the wings and forwards stand heading into the second half. Next up: Centers — and the biggest questions still left to answer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We’re kicking off a three-part midseason report card series with a deep dive into the Pacers guard rotation. In Part 1, Brad and Ryan hand out letter grades and classroom-style comps for every guard on the roster — including Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, Kam Jones, and the two-way contributors. We evaluate roles, consistency, growth, and fit within the team’s identity at the halfway point of the season. Who’s exceeded expectations? Who’s still finding their footing? And which guards are shaping the future of this roster? Honest grades, clear reasoning, and a snapshot of where the backcourt stands heading into the second half. Next up: Wings & Forwards… then Centers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
At the halfway point of the season, Brad and Ryan step back to assess what we’ve learned so far — and what it all means moving forward — with a Top 10 takeaways breakdown of the Indiana Pacers. We dive into the evolving core, including what we’re seeing from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith, and how their roles and responsibilities have shaped the team’s identity through the first half. We also take stock of the young players — who’s trending up, who’s finding their footing, and what development has looked like in real time. The center position remains a major storyline, and we revisit where our preseason expectations missed the mark, what’s changed, and why it’s still one of the biggest questions the front office will need to answer. We’re honest about where we were wrong, what surprised us, and how the season has shifted our outlook. Finally, we look ahead. With Tyrese Haliburton working towards his return, the front office active in trade conversations, and a potential top draft pick looming this offseason, there’s real reason for optimism — even in a season filled with turbulence. A clear-eyed midseason reset, big-picture context, and why the Pacers future remains very much in play. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Pacers knock off the Boston Celtics behind a late-game winner from Pascal Siakam, extending their winning streak to three games — their longest of the season and currently tied for the longest active streak in the NBA. Andrew Nembhard once again controlled the game with his playmaking, while Jay Huff delivered one of his best offensive performances of the year. Brad and Ryan discuss what this recent 3–0 stretch means — the feeling of winning again, the boost to confidence and continuity — while also grappling with the bigger picture. As the season nears its midpoint, how should fans balance meaningful wins with draft lottery implications, knowing every victory pushes a top-five pick further away? A statement win, a hot streak, and big questions ahead. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Two weeks after giving up 142 points in Miami, the Pacers flipped the script in emphatic fashion. Indiana goes wire to wire in a blowout win over the Miami Heat, holding Miami under 100 points and delivering one of their most complete performances of the season. Andrew Nembhard led the way with a big night, pouring in 29 points, 9 assists, and 0 turnovers, continuing to flourish in an expanded lead-guard role after an injury-riddled and uneven start to the year. His control, pace, and decision-making set the tone from the opening tip. The Pacers also made a notable frontcourt adjustment, going small-ball to match up with Bam Adebayo, starting Pascal Siakam and Johnny Furphy together. The centers did enough in their minutes, the spacing paid dividends, and Indiana’s ball movement and shot-making never let Miami settle in. Young contributors Furphy and Jarace Walker delivered strong performances, the ball popped, and the defensive intensity never dipped — a complete team win that showed growth, adaptability, and confidence. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The streak is over — and history finally breaks the right way. The Indiana Pacers take down the Charlotte Hornets behind huge veteran performances from Pascal Siakam and T.J. McConnell, snapping the franchise-record 13-game losing streak and delivering Rick Carlisle his 1,000th career win, making him just the 11th coach in NBA history to reach the milestone. With the game tied and four minutes to go, Carlisle called a crucial timeout to settle the group — and the Pacers responded. Ben Sheppard came up with massive rebounds down the stretch, Siakam buried the go-ahead bucket, and McConnell delivered his patented late-game steal to essentially seal it. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t perfect. But it was a real team win — and one the locker room desperately needed. We break down how it happened, why it mattered, and what it could mean moving forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
It was always going to be a historic night in Indiana — just not the kind anyone hoped for. The Pacers fall 120–116 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and instead of celebrating Rick Carlisle’s 1,000th career win, the franchise sets an unfortunate mark with its 13th consecutive loss. Indiana controlled much of the night, winning quarters one through three, but a complete dud in the fourth proved costly as Cleveland closed the door late. Despite strong shooting performances from Jay Huff, Ben Sheppard, and Jarace Walker, and a highlight-filled night from Johnny Furphy — including a transition slam and 11 rebounds — the Pacers couldn’t overcome a 48–32 rebounding deficit that kept the Cavs within striking distance all game. Now the focus shifts forward. Indiana heads to face a resurgent Charlotte Hornets team, hoping to snap the streak, regain momentum, and finally get Rick Carlisle to win No. 1,000. We break it all down — what went wrong, what showed promise, and what has to change Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ryan is back in the fold as we recap a frustrating — yet competitive — loss that ties a franchise record: 12 straight defeats. The Pacers played solid basketball for long stretches against the Orlando Magic, but one disastrous stretch proved too much to overcome. A 17–0 run in the second quarter, capped by Orlando pouring in 41 points on 72% shooting, swung the game and forced Indiana to play uphill the rest of the way. Despite that, the Pacers showed real fight. Indiana still held a lead at the 7:29 mark of the fourth quarter, but execution down the stretch once again came up short — wasting big nights from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith. It’s now 12 losses in a row, and the spotlight turns to Tuesday night at home, where the Pacers face the Cleveland Cavaliers with a chance — for better or worse — to break the franchise record. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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