Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

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 gameJay Huff playing meaningful, productive minutesTaelon Peter finding his three-point shotKam Jones and Aaron Nesmith 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: Plus: 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: 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: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Episode 1 of the February Mailbag, Alex Golden and Michael Facci answer your questions. “Lottery & League Politics” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan joins Setting The Pace for an in-depth conversation about the direction of the franchise and the decisions shaping its future. We discuss: And in one of the more candid parts of the interview, Chad reflects on how difficult it was to trade two players drafted and developed in-house, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s Part 2 of our crossover with The Pacers Post Up — and this one is all about tough decisions. Alex Golden is joined Brad and Ryan Knight to break down a hypothetical expansion draft scenario: if Indiana can only protect 8 players, who makes the cut? We debate: Then we zoom out. Looking ahead to next season, what does this Pacers roster still need? Another creator? More size? Defensive versatility? A microwave scorer? We connect the expansion draft conversation to the bigger picture of roster construction and long-term sustainability. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Indiana Pacers walk into Madison Square Garden and stun the Knicks in their own building. No fear. No backing down. Just execution. Alex Golden breaks down what this win means, how Indiana controlled key stretches, and why winning in that environment still carries weight, especially against New York. Then, Tomer Azarly joins from Clutch Points to dive into Ivica Zubac’s media availability, as well as Lawerence Frank's, Clippers President of Basketball Operations. Zubac spoke about: Is there more offensive upside here than we’ve seen before? How does his skill set evolve in this system? And what should expectations realistically be? Frank spoke about: Big win. Big picture discussion. And potentially a big evolution at the center position. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, Alex Golden and Mike Facci zoom out and rank every starting center in the Eastern Conference. Who truly anchors a contender? Who’s replaceable? And where does Ivica Zubac stack up among the East’s best bigs? We break it down tier by tier and have the honest conversation about value, fit, and ceiling. We start off the show with unfortunate news. Johnny Furphy will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL, a brutal setback for a young player who was just beginning to carve out his place. We talk about what this means for his development, how difficult the mental side of this journey can be, and what it means for Indiana’s depth moving forward You can read all of my latest articles for Pacers on SI, by following this link here! If you like the show, please leave us a 5-Star rating and review! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Facci is back from his work trip, and he might just have a little pep in his step about the move the Indiana Pacers pulled off on Thursday. Alex Golden joins, and the two discuss the trade and what this means for the Pacers future! Episode Recorded before the Pacers-Raptors game. We will discuss more on Johnny Furphy's injury soon. 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 Tyler Christian! The Indiana Pacers fall 105-99 to the Milwaukee Bucks… but was this the kind of loss that helps more than it hurts We break down the implications for Indiana’s lottery positioning and how this is the type of outcome that benefits the franchise long-term. With Bennedict Mathurin now in Los Angeles, what does this mean for Jarace Walker’s role moving forward? Is this the runway he needs? We discuss how the rotation shifts, what Jarace must improve, and what the Pacers are evaluating over these final games. Plus: 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, Alex Golden is joined by Adam Auslund of Clippers Talk to break down everything Pacers fans need to know about Ivica Zubac. What makes him a nightly defensive anchor? How dangerous can he be as Haliburton’s roller? And what does he bring off the court? The conversation also covers Kobe Brown’s upside, Bennedict Mathurin’s fit with the Clippers, Isaiah Jackson’s role, and what direction LA is heading. If you want real insight from someone who’s covered Zu every night, tap in. Also, you can check out all of Alex's written work at Pacers on SI! Click this link to read more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wow. The Indiana Pacers make a blockbuster trade for Ivica Zubac, starting center from the Los Angeles Clippers! The Indiana Pacers give up Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2026 protected pick (1-4 and 10-30), 2029 unprotected pick, and a 2028 second round pick. Tom Lewis of Indy Cornrows joins to me break it all down! 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 Big Dave of CHGO Bulls to discuss all the deals that were made today, buy specifically focusing on some of the transactions Chicago made. Big Dave then dives into what makes Ayo Dosunmu such a beloved Bull, and how he would be a great fit playstyle wise in Indiana. The guys then discuss if Mathurin were to be dealt to Chicago what that would like, and Dave shares what he likes about Bennedict. Lastly, the fellas discuss the latest trade intel on Domantas Sabonis, and how it feels like he could become a Chicago Bull before the trade deadline. Follow along with all of the Indiana Pacers news HERE at Alex's live news and rumor tracker! 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 loss to the Utah Jazz, where the high minutes players were held out, and younger players got an opportunity to showcase their abilities. After a quick game recap, Alex then dives into the latest trade news around the NBA. Blockbuster moves were made today, and potentially two of those deals could directly impact the Pacers. To keep up with all of the latest news around the league, please follow this link. I will have the latest intel and rumors all in one place for Pacers fans to see what the Indiana Pacers are up to, at least what the rumor mill is saying they're up to. Link to our Trade Ideas Podcast! 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 Kyle Taylor of iPacers to break down the Pacers’ hard-fought loss to the Houston Rockets. The game featured plenty of back-and-forth action, but Indiana struggled to get key stops and secure crucial rebounds when it mattered most. The guys discuss what went wrong, standout performances, and what the loss means moving forward. Plus, be sure to check out Alex Golden’s work over at Sports Illustrated, where he’ll be running a live article all week with news, updates, and the latest rumors around the league leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. 4 Team Trade between Milwaukee, Indiana, New Orleans and the LA ClippersMyles Turner on the Trading Block with Looming Giannis Trade 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 share 9 trade ideas for the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline! Trade 1 - 1:22 (Facci's) Trade 2 - 8:05 (Facci's) Trade 3 - 14:40 (Facci's) Trade 4 - 23:15 (Alex's) Trade 5 - 30:05 (Alex's) Trade 6 - 34:00 (Alex's) Trade 7 - 36:15 (Alex's) Trade 8 - 43:55 (Alex's 3 team deal) Trade 9 - 52:27 (Alex's 4 team deal) For audio listeners, numbers will be off by 1:30 - 3:00 with advertisements added in after timestamps were added. 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 Michael J. Facci join forces to discuss and celebrate Pascal Siakam being named a 2026 NBA All-Star. The guys then share their Top 3 Trade Targets for the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline! 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 on today's show to discuss the Pacers recent play in the month of January, and why Indiana has been winning more games than losing as of late. Alex then dives into why the Pacers defeated the Hawks, key moments that stood out to him in the game, as well as sharing a story about a fan interaction with Benn Mathurin. In the final segment, Alex shares some fun facts about the Pacers-Hawks matchup since the 2023-2024 season! He then shares his thoughts on prospects AJ Dybants and Darryn Peterson. What to make of a one-game sample size, and what to make of Peterson not playing most of the 2nd half. Super loaded show but hope you enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To Conclude our Center of Attention series, Alex and Facci share their rankings! Facci shared his Top 5 with 1 honorable mention, and Alex shared his Top 10 with 4 honorable mentions. Let us know what you think of our lists of centers to trade for and what you would like to see the Pacers do to address the hole they have at the position. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.