The Pacers Post Up
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...
The Contingency Plan Arrives: Kelly Oubre Jr. and the Evolving East - LIVE REACTION
In this live Twitter/X reaction episode, Brad and Ryan break down Indiana’s signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. and why this move could prove to be another masterstroke by Kevin Pritchard, Chad Buchanan, and the Pacers front office. At just $8.25 million annually, Indiana adds the versatile two-way wing they’ve been searching for while fully embracing what now appears to be a clear two-year championship window. We discuss how Oubre fits alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and the newly acquired Ivica Zubac, what he brings defensively, and why his cutting, transition play, and positional versatility make him such a se...
Day 1 Free Agency: Trades, Rumors & Pacers Targets
NBA free agency is officially underway, and there's already plenty to discuss.
In this episode of Pacers Post Up, we react to the biggest moves from Day 1 of free agency, break down the most impactful trades around the league, and discuss what they mean for the Eastern Conference. We also dive into the latest Indiana Pacers rumors, including the free agents the team has been linked to, and debate which targets would be the best fit alongside the current roster.
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Pacers Trade for Braden Smith | NBA Draft Recap
In this episode of the Pacers Post Up Podcast, we break down the biggest moments from the NBA Draft and discuss how the results could impact the Indiana Pacers moving forward.
Topics covered include:
NBA Draft recap and reactions The Pacers trading into the second round What Bradyen Smith brings to Indiana after a standout career at Purdue How Smith fits into the Pacers' roster and future plans What Pacers fans should watch for over the coming weeksWith the draft complete, attention now turns to free agency as Indiana looks to build on last...
10 Burning Questions Ahead of the NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is here, trade season is heating up, and Brad and Ryan are back in the saddle to tackle the 10 biggest questions facing the league. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo finally be moved, and if so, where is he going? We discuss the growing buzz surrounding Boston and Miami and what a potential Giannis sweepstakes could look like. We also react to Trae Young’s massive new deal in Washington—a contract that may already be entering the conversation for one of the league’s worst—and what it says about the Wizards’ direction moving forward. From a Pacers perspectiv...
Congrats to the N… Nope: The Pacers Comeback Tour Starts Now
The NBA season is officially over. The Knicks are champions, Jalen Brunson has his Finals MVP, and yes… Ryan gives New York their flowers. Brad, on the other hand, isn’t quite ready to go that far. In this season wrap-up episode, we discuss the Knicks’ championship run, Brunson’s Finals MVP performance, the conversation surrounding his contract and willingness to take less money, and the iconic Game 4 shot from IU’s OG Anunoby that helped swing the series. But more importantly, we shift our focus to what comes next. With Tyrese Haliburton expected back next season, the Pacers enter the...
Pacers Around the Horn: Rumors, Roster Moves & Rooting Against New York
This episode, Ryan and Brad discuss several intriguing names that have been linked to Indiana or could make sense as offseason targets, including Ayo Dosunmu, Naji Marshall, Yves Missi, and a true wild card in Jonathan Isaac. What would each bring to the roster, and which names make the most sense for the Pacers moving forward? We also discuss the possibility of Jay Huff heading to Boston and what that could mean for Indiana’s frontcourt depth and offseason plans. To wrap things up, we turn our attention to the NBA Finals, the antics surrounding the Knicks fan base fo...
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 5: Entering the Ivica Zubac Era
It’s the fifth and final installment of our Player Prediction Series, and we’re wrapping things up with perhaps the biggest mystery on the Pacers roster: Ivica Zubac. After last season’s blockbuster trade, Pacers fans only got a brief glimpse of the team’s new center before a rib injury ended his season after just five games in a blue and gold uniform. We never got to see him share the floor with Tyrese Haliburton or Pascal Siakam, leaving plenty of questions heading into next season. How will Zubac’s numbers translate in Indiana? What impact can he have as...
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 4: How Good Is Pascal Siakam, Really?
Pascal Siakam keeps producing… and people keep overlooking him. Brad and Ryan break down the outlook for Indiana’s star forward as he heads into his third full season with the Pacers. From stat projections and award predictions to his standing among the league’s best players, the guys discuss why Siakam remains one of the NBA’s most underrated stars and what another year alongside Tyrese Haliburton could mean for his production. Can Pascal make another All-Star team? Does he have a path back to All-NBA consideration? And why does he continue to be one of the most overlook...
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 3: Double A Energy
Every contender needs a guy like Aaron Nesmith. Brad and Ryan continue their “Pacers Player Predictions” series with a deep dive into one of the emotional engines of the Pacers roster: Aaron “Double A” Nesmith. Coming off a season where he posted career highs across the board after one of the most efficient postseason shooting performances in NBA history the year before, Nesmith enters next season as one of Indiana’s most important glue guys for another title push. The guys discuss Aaron’s offensive growth, defensive versatility, elite energy, and why he’s exactly the kind of player every champion...
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 2: Welcome to Nembhell
The Pacers may have one of the NBA’s best two-way guards hiding in plain sight. Brad and Ryan continue their “Pacers Player Predictions” series with a deep dive into the Pacers starting two guard and one of the most versatile backcourt players in the NBA. After stepping into primary playmaking duties and averaging nearly 17 points and 8 assists while ranking Top 7 in the league in assists, what does Nembhard’s role look like with Tyrese Haliburton back in the lineup? The guys discuss how much on-ball responsibility he’ll continue to carry, whether another leap defensively could put All-Defensive honors wit...
Pacers Player Predictions Vol. 1: The Return of Tyrese Haliburton
A new offseason series begins… and there was only one place to start. Brad and Ryan kick off the first episode of their 5-part “Pacers Player Predictions” series with a deep dive into the face of the franchise: Tyrese Haliburton. Coming off the Achilles injury and the heartbreaking ending to Indiana’s Finals run, what can Pacers fans realistically expect from Hali next season? The guys break down projected stat lines, possible awards, workload expectations, and whether Tyrese can return to being the engine of another championship push.
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The End of an Era: How the Pacers Broke the Bucks
It sounds dramatic… but are we sure it’s wrong? Brad and Ryan take a deep dive into the Pacers role in the unraveling of the Milwaukee Bucks over the last few seasons. From Indiana dominating the Bucks throughout the 2024 season—including the In-Season Tournament semifinal in Las Vegas—to back-to-back first-round playoff eliminations, the guys trace the timeline of a rivalry that may have fundamentally altered the trajectory of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title window in Milwaukee. The infamous game-ball drama. Pat Beverley’s final NBA moment. Coaching firings. The Damian Lillard disaster. Brook Lopez’s exit. Khris Middleton traded. And of...
So, What’s Next? Mapping Out the Pacers Offseason Post Lottery
The lottery is over. The pick is gone. So… what’s next for the Pacers? Brad and Ryan shift the focus from lottery disappointment to the rest of Indiana’s offseason roadmap, breaking down everything Pacers fans still have to look forward to over the coming months. Could the Pacers trade back into the draft? What does free agency look like? Which storylines matter most heading into Summer League and training camp? Plus, the guys discuss the possibility of another summer workout run at Pascal Siakam’s place in Orlando as the team gears up for another push next season...
The Reaction to the Reaction: All is Not Lost Pacers Nation
The lottery reaction was one thing… the fallout afterward somehow got even crazier. Brad and Ryan regroup to break down the discourse surrounding the Pacers officially conveying the No. 5 pick to the Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade. The guys explain why this was still the correct “win-now” move for Indiana, why Zubac remains one of the best values at the center position in the league, and why context matters when evaluating aggressive front office decisions. They also discuss Kevin Pritchard’s transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the lottery, while reacting to some of the wildly o...
Cue the Sadness: Pacers Fall Out of the Top 4 (LIVE REACTION SHOW)
The vibes were immaculate… until they absolutely weren’t. Brad and Ryan go LIVE to react to the NBA Draft Lottery as the Pacers officially fall outside the top four, sending their pick to the Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade. What started as a hopeful afternoon quickly turned into a sobering reality check as Indiana misses out on the chance to land a potential franchise-changing talent. So where do the Pacers pivot from here? The guys break down what this means for the offseason, the new paths toward contention, and why Plan B now becomes the focu...
The WAY TOO EARLY 2027 Eastern Conference Power Rankings
It’s never too early to start dreaming about next season. With playoff basketball in full swing, Brad and Ryan rank the Eastern Conference contenders from 8 to 1 heading into the 2026–2027 season. This isn’t about regular-season records—it’s about which teams can actually survive the playoffs and make a Finals run. Who belongs in the top tier? Which teams are overrated? And where do the Pacers stack up in the race for Eastern Conference supremacy? Bold takes, playoff reactions, and plenty of early offseason speculation in this one.
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Top 10 “Must-Do” Priorities of the Pacers Offseason
What does Indiana absolutely NEED to accomplish this offseason to get back into title contention? Brad and Ryan break down their top 10 goals/checklist items for the Pacers heading into a pivotal summer. From the draft and free agency to player health, roster depth, and fringe contracts that could quietly swing the ceiling of the team, the guys outline the moves and decisions that matter most. Which areas need immediate attention? What internal improvements are non-negotiable? And what could push this roster from competitive to legitimate contender status next season? A full blueprint for the Pacers offseason.
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Top-4 Pick Trade Ideas - And Why the Pacers Should Probably Keep It (If They Get It)
What if the Pacers land a top-four pick… and decide to move it? Brad and Ryan dive into a series of mock trade scenarios involving Indiana’s potential lottery pick, exploring which players around the league might actually be worth the risk. From star upside to contract concerns and long-term roster fit, the guys break down the realistic options—and quickly realize how difficult it is to find a deal that truly makes sense. By the end of the episode, one conclusion becomes clear: if the Pacers land in the top four, drafting the pick may be the smartest move a...
Pacers Report Card Series – Part 3: The Centers (No Longer by Committee)
We wrap up our 3-part report card series by heading into the paint. Brad and Ryan evaluate the Pacers’ centers from top to bottom, including Ivica Zubac, Jay Huff, Micah Potter, and a little extra spice at the end (be sure to stick around). From rim protection to offensive playmaking, we hand out final grades and discuss who made the most of their opportunities this season. Which bigs earned a role moving forward, and where does Indiana still need more? Full breakdowns and final verdicts to close out the series.
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Pacers Report Card Series – Part 2: The Forwards and Wings
Part 2 of our Pacers report card series shifts to the forwards and wings, where versatility and impact were on full display all season. Brad and Ryan grade performances from Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, and the rest of the forward group—including the two-way players who stepped into bigger roles down the stretch. Who delivered on expectations? Who took a leap? And how does this group shape the Pacers’ future? We break it all down with honest grades and big-picture context.
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Pacers Report Card Series - Part 1: Breaking Down the Guards
It’s Part 1 of our Pacers season-ending report card series, and we’re starting in the backcourt. Brad and Ryan break down the 2025–2026 season for Indiana’s guards, handing out grades for every contributor—from key pieces like Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell to the deeper rotation and two-way guys who saw time throughout the year. Who exceeded expectations? Who left more to be desired? And which guards proved they’re part of the long-term core? Full evaluations, honest grades, and plenty of debate to kick off the series.
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Sunday State of the Pacers: 2 Weeks Away From the NBA Draft Lottery!
It’s a Sunday State of the Pacers and we’re officially two weeks out from the Draft Lottery. Brad and Ryan dive into every scenario—what’s the dream outcome, and who are the Pacers taking if they land anywhere from 1 to 4? We also zoom out to the playoff picture across both conferences, react to another brutal Achilles injury to a No. 0, and talk through just how wide open the East looks right now… and how different things might feel if Indy had stayed healthy. A little bit of everything in this one.
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Pacers THIS or THAT! Breaking Down Pacers Potential Roster Moves
In this episode, we play a game of “This or That” and break down some of the toughest roster calls the Pacers could be facing this offseason. From end-of-bench depth to intriguing young pieces, we go head-to-head on a handful of names fighting to stick. Would you rather roll with Jalen Slawson or Kobe Brown? Is it Jay Huff or Micah Potter? Who has the edge between Kam Jones and Quenton Jackson? And maybe the toughest one… Ben Sheppard or Johnny Furphy? Ryan and Brad debate each matchup, make their picks, and talk through what the Pacers should prioritize as the...
State of the Pacers: Odds Secured, Injuries Avoided, and the Offseason Begins
We wrap up the final week of the Pacers season as Indiana secures the second-best lottery odds and, just as importantly, gets to the finish line without any new major injuries. We highlight standout performances from Micah Potter and Obi Toppin, and take a closer look at the end-of-the-bench group that saw extended run to close the year—who showed something and who might factor into the future? We close things out with a quick look at the Play-In matchups as the postseason officially tips off this week. Pacers fans, you made it to the end of the season an...
Pacers Win BIG in Chicago: 49 Assists and a Tanking Dilema
The Pacers put together one of their most complete performances of the season in a win over Chicago, powered by elite ball movement and a true team effort. Indiana racked up 49 assists—the second-most in franchise history—including an incredible 30 in the first half, while extending their record to 9 straight games with 30+ assists. Simply put, the ball was flying. Pascal Siakam set the tone early, while Ben Sheppard caught fire in a stunning stretch that helped break the game open. The bench and two-way players stole the spotlight as well, with Ethan Thompson dropping a career-high 24 points and Jalen Slaw...
Sunday State of the Pacers: Finding Momentum Down the Stretch of the Season
After a week that finally gave fans something to feel good about, the Pacers are starting to show real signs of life. Indiana picked up two wins behind a surging offense that looks more like what we expected coming into the season. Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and T. J. McConnell all stepped up in a big way, each playing some of their best basketball of the year and helping drive a much-needed offensive rhythm. We also got the return of Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, adding another layer of energy to an already encouraging stretch. In...
Slow Start, Strong Fight: Pacers Fall to Luka & Lakers Despite Nembhard’s Career Night
In this solo episode, Brad breaks down a high-energy night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Pacers fall 137–130 to the Lakers in a game packed with star power and storylines. From LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the Lakers, to Caitlin Clark and CJ Miles in the building, to T.J. McConnell’s birthday and Tyrese Haliburton’s return to the bench, the stage was set for a big night in Indy. But the Pacers dug themselves an early hole, turning the ball over four times before even attempting a shot, while the Lakers exploded for 45 first-quarter points to take ear...
Streak Snapped: Siakam Leads Pacers to First Win Since the All-Star Break!
After 41 long days, the Pacers are back in the win column. Indiana snaps its franchise-record 16-game losing streak with a gritty 2-point victory over the Orlando Magic, finally breaking through in a game that, while not critical to the standings, meant everything to a team that’s been grinding through a tough stretch. Pascal Siakam led the way with a brilliant 37-point performance, capped off by a game-winning block on Paolo Banchero. Aaron Nesmith caught fire in the second half, pouring in 19 points while knocking down 5-of-8 from deep, and Andrew Nembhard delivered once again with 14 assists and a cl...
Sunday State of the Pacers: The Streak Hits 16 & Zubac Shut Dow
It’s the fifth installment of Sunday State of the Pacers, and the losses continue to pile up. Indiana drops three more games this week to the Knicks, Trail Blazers, and Spurs, extending their franchise-record losing streak to 16 straight. It’s been a difficult stretch, and this week brought another tough blow with Ivica Zubac ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a fractured rib. As challenging as this run has been, we do our best to find the silver linings — highlighting individual performances, moments of growth, and what can still be learned during this final stretc...
Record Skid in MSG: Pacers Drop 14th Straight + “Stay or Go” with Alex Golden
The Pacers losing streak reaches historic territory as Indiana falls to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, dropping their 14th straight game and setting a new franchise record. It was a tough night defined by the possession battle, with New York grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and attempting 15 more shots than the Pacers — a gap Indiana simply couldn’t overcome. There were a few bright spots, including Ivica Zubac, who continues to make a strong impression as he settles into the lineup, while questions persist around Jarace Walker and his role moving forward. This episode is a crossover with Alex Golden of S...
Sunday State of the Pacers: The Zubac Era Begins + Nesmith and Obi Find Some Rhythm
It’s the fourth installment of Sunday State of the Pacers, and this week featured a busy stretch with four games as Indiana faced the Kings, Suns, Knicks, and Bucks. The Pacers went 0–4 on the week, but several of those games were competitive well into the final minutes. Ultimately, late-game defensive breakdowns and a lack of timely shot making proved to be the difference as Indiana struggled to close games out. There were still some bright spots. Aaron Nesmith continued his strong run of play, delivering another productive week, and fans got their first look at Ivica Zubac in a Pa...
Tank Bowl in Sacramento: Pacers Lose the Game, Win the Tank
The Pacers and Kings met in Sacramento in what could only be described as the “Tank Bowl” — a matchup between the two teams battling for the worst record in the league. By the final buzzer, Indiana may have lost the game, but they “won” the Tank Bowl, taking over the worst record in the NBA as a result. There were still some bright spots on the floor. Aaron Nesmith broke out of his recent slump in a big way, erupting for a career-high 24 points in the first half and finishing the night with 29. Obi Toppin delivered his best performance since retu...
Sunday State of the Pacers: West Coast Woes and the Upcoming “Tank Bowl”
It’s the third installment of Sunday State of the Pacers, and this week we’re breaking down a tough stretch of games on Indiana’s west coast swing. The Pacers faced the Clippers, Lakers, and Trail Blazers in a week that featured reunion moments, a superstar scoring explosion, and continued defensive struggles. Former Pacers Benn Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson matched up against Indiana for the first time since the trade to Los Angeles, while Luka Dončić delivered a massive 44-point performance during the Lakers matchup. Meanwhile in Portland, the Pacers hung tough before a decisive 25–7 run just before hal...
Familiar Faces, Same Problems: Mathurin Shines as Pacers Defense Struggles Again
For the first time since the blockbuster deadline deal, the Pacers faced the Clippers after sending Benn Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson to Los Angeles in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown. Zubac still hasn’t suited up for Indiana, but the former Pacers made their presence felt immediately. Mathurin delivered a vintage scoring performance, attacking the rim, living at the free throw line, and finishing +32 in just 22 minutes. Jackson added his best game yet in a Clippers uniform, bringing energy and production against his former team. Meanwhile, Indiana’s defensive struggles continued as they allowed 130+ points for the fift...
Stock Up or Stock Down? Tracking the Pacers Current Roster Trends
With 21 games remaining in what’s largely become a “lost” season, it’s officially evaluation time in Indiana. In this episode, we conduct a full roster stock report — breaking down every single Pacers player and where their value stands today. Who’s trending up and building a real case to be part of the long-term core? Who’s holding steady but still has questions to answer? And whose stock is quietly slipping as the franchise shifts its focus toward the draft lottery? Wins may not be the priority down the stretch, but development absolutely is. From young rotation pieces to deep-bench...
Sunday State of the Pacers: The Tank Rolls On & The Trip Heard Around the League
On this Sunday State of the Pacers, Brad and Ryan recap another tough week with losses to the 76ers, Hornets, and Grizzlies. The defense struggled and the offense couldn’t keep up, adding to the post All-Star break slide. The clear bright spot was Micah Potter, who had a strong week averaging 20 pts & 5 rbs off the bench, and rookie Kam Jones recorded a double-double on Sunday to round out a solid honorable mention. Looking ahead, the Pacers hit the road for a challenging West Coast trip against tough competition. The Benn Mathurin Bowl will kick things off on Wednesday be...
Obi Returns! Defense Not So Much: Kon Breaks Rookie 3PT Record in Pacers 5th Straight Loss
On this episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan recap Indiana’s 109-133 home loss to Charlotte on Feb 26 – their fifth straight defeat post-All-Star break, dropping to 15-45 on the season.Obi Toppin returned from stress fracture surgery with a warm ovation and early impact, but the defense collapsed again, allowing 130+ points for the 4th straight contest. Charlotte looked legit, extending a franchise-best 9-game road win streak to improve to 29-31. Rookie Kon Knueppel broke the NBA rookie single-season 3-point record (207th made) en route to 28 pts on 8-12 from deep, while Brandon Miller dropped 33. The Pacers’ offens...
Four Straight Since the ASB: Carlisle Talks Sanctions & the Tank Rolls On
The Pacers drop their fourth straight since the All-Star break, falling at home to the 76ers and surrendering 130+ points for the third time in that span. Earlier in the day, Rick Carlisle addressed the league’s recent sanctions and the injury investigation surrounding Aaron Nesmith, offering insight into how the organization is navigating both scrutiny and a mounting injury list. With Pascal Siakam sidelined due to a wrist injury and Johnny Furphy undergoing ACL surgery, the roster continues to thin while the losses pile up. Off the court, SVP of Player Personnel Ryan Carr departs for a GM role at...
Sunday State of the Pacers: Tank Commanders Unite
The Pacers are 0–3 coming out of the All-Star break, including two rough road losses to the Wizards, and suddenly the tank promoters are feeling very validated. Indiana now sits firmly in the 2nd slot of the inverse standings — so is this a skid… or a strategy?
We kick off our first episode in a new series we are calling “Sunday State of the Pacers” breaking down:
What’s actually gone wrong in the three-game slide
Whether the tank narrative is gaining real momentum
Injury updates on TJ, Aaron, Obi, & Zu
Pascal Siakam’s return from...
0 and Two-ahhh! Pacers Drop 2 Straight in DC as Tank Talk Continues to Heat Up
In this “0 and Two-ahhh” episode of The Pacers Post Up, Brad and Ryan break down the very tanky post-ASB back-to-back losses in DC to the Wizards, dropping Indy to the 2nd-worst record league-wide. Tank haters are coming out in full force, but the youth showed flashes: Jarace Walker near triple-double territory, Jay Huff’s offensive outburst, Taelon Peter’s career high, and Ben Sheppard’s sneaky solid contributions. We talk about what can actually be taken away from these 2 games, celebrate the young guys stepping up, note the boosted top-4 pick chances, and react to Adam Silver/Shams signaling offseason...