Setting The Pace: A Pacers Podcast

Alex Golden is joined by longtime Pacers' fan Michael—with a brief appearance from his lovely girlfriend, Grace—for a fun conversation about all things Indiana Pacers!

Michael shares his thoughts on the Pacers' offseason moves and his expectations for the upcoming season, including what he likes about the roster and where he still has concerns.

He also tells Alex about his experience meeting Tyrese Haliburton at Fanatics Fest, what that moment was like and why Tyrese has become such a special player for Pacers fans.

Of course, no conversation with Michael would be c...

Alex Golden is joined by Kyle Taylor of iPacers for a different kind of offseason episode of Setting The Pace. Instead of tackling the biggest storylines surrounding the Indiana Pacers, the guys get in the weeds and discuss some of the more niche questions that could have a major impact on how this team plays next season.

The conversation starts with Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac. With Zubac bringing a much different skill set to the center position, could we see Tyrese spend more time playing off the ball to help Indiana's spacing? How will the Pacers...

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back for another loaded episode of Fever Focus, and there is A LOT to discuss after an eventful stretch for the Indiana Fever.

The guys start with Mikayla Timpson moving into the starting lineup at the four and what the change could mean for Indiana moving forward. Is Timpson simply the perfect answer for this specific Fever roster, or are we watching her develop into a legitimate long-term starter in the WNBA?

Then, Alex and Casey break down Indiana's impressive performance against the New York Li...

Alex Golden is joined by Tyler Smith of Indy Sports Legends and Pacers on SI for a trip through Indiana Pacers history as the guys attempt to answer a difficult question: Who are the 10 greatest Pacers of the NBA era?

Alex and Tyler build their Top 10 lists and debate how to weigh longevity, individual accomplishments, playoff success, peak performance and overall impact on the franchise.

One of the biggest debates centers around Tyrese Haliburton. After helping lead Indiana to an NBA Finals appearance, has Haliburton already done enough to surpass some of the franchise's longest-tenured...

If you want to watch the episode on YouTube, be sure to check it out on the Pacers Beyond the Buzzer YouTube page and subscribe to their channel! Pacers Beyond The Buzzer - YouTube

Alex Golden joins Jake Riley on Pacers Beyond the Buzzer for a special crossover episode that goes 100 minutes and covers just about everything surrounding the Indiana Pacers.

The guys start by taking a trip down memory lane as Alex shares how Setting the Pace began eight years ago, how the podcast has evolved and some of the memorable interactions—both good an...

Tonight, heartbreak ensues on the Fever Focus Podcast as Alex and Casey recount a game that had everything.

There was a lost 20 point lead, a comeback, overtime, a game-tying buzzer beater, a game-WINNING buzzer beater, and everything but a win.

In the immediate aftermath, the guys recap exactly how and why this game fell apart. Topics of discussion are what parts of the Fever collapse were avoidable, what were mental, what came down to basketball, and what was a healthy dose of pure bad luck.

Discussion centers around the up and down play...

Alex Golden is joined by D Cot of the Game Time Network and Cot's Corner for his first appearance on Setting The Pace, and the conversation centers around what many believe is the Indiana Pacers' greatest strength: their backcourt.

The guys take a deep dive into Andrew Nembhard's development, discussing why he's the perfect complement to Tyrese Haliburton, the strides he made as a primary playmaker last season, what to expect from him moving forward and how important it is for the Pacers to keep him as a foundational piece of their core.

The conversation...

Alex Golden is joined by Brandt McCoskey of Pacers Daily on Fan Arch for another Pacers crossover episode, and this one centers around one important question:

What could keep the Indiana Pacers from winning an NBA championship?

Alex and Brandt each share the three biggest factors they believe could derail Indiana's title hopes, discussing everything from roster construction and player development to health, depth and the ever-improving Eastern Conference.

After breaking down those concerns, the conversation shifts to the conference as a whole. Where do the Pacers stack up against the rest of...

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are joined by Tony East of Circle City Spin and The IX for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of the Indiana Fever as the team pushes toward the second half of the season.

The guys begin with the latest injury news surrounding Damiris Dantas, discuss the Fever signing Michelle Onyiah to a developmental player contract, and evaluate where Indiana currently stacks up among the Eastern Conference contenders.

From there, the conversation dives into several of the team's biggest storylines, including the continued dominance of the Fever's Big 3, Lexie...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Jake Riley of Pacers Beyond the Buzzer for another fun Pacers crossover episode!

To kick things off, each member of the panel shares the three biggest strengths of the Indiana Pacers and explains why those traits make Indiana one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2026-27 season. From the team's stars and depth to its culture and style of play, the guys make the case for why the Pacers are legitimate championship contenders.

Then, Jake flips the script and puts Alex...

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Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Jack and Sal from All Pacers for a fun offseason episode filled with debates, laughs and plenty of Pacers basketball.

The guys kick things off by sharing their thoughts on the new gold pinstripe jerseys, discussing what they like most about the design and where they rank among Indiana's recent uniforms.

Next, the conversation shifts to one of the more entertaining topics of the...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Anthony from Fastbreak Report for a fun offseason discussion centered around the Indiana Pacers and the one question fans can't stop asking:

What's the biggest hole on this roster?

Before diving into that debate, Anthony shares his thoughts on the Pacers' offseason, discussing the additions of Kelly Oubre Jr., Larry Nance Jr., Braden Smith and more. He also explains whether there was anything he would have done differently if he were in Kevin Pritchard and Chad Buchanan's shoes.

Then, the conversation shifts to the current...

Alex Golden is joined once again by David Cole and Carson Stafford for Part 2 of their Eastern Conference Duos Rankings. After working through the bottom half of the conference in Part 1, the guys reveal their Top 8 duos and debate which pair deserves to be crowned the best in the East.

Most importantly, where do Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam stack up against the conference's elite? Can Indiana's All-Star tandem compete with the East's biggest names, or do other contenders have the edge?

Topics include:

Alex Golden is joined by David Cole and Carson Stafford for a loaded episode of Setting the Pace.

The guys begin by reacting to the Indiana Pacers’ reveal of their new gold pinstripe jerseys, sharing their initial impressions of the design, what they like most and how the uniforms compare to some of the most memorable looks in franchise history.

Then, Alex, David and Carson kick off Part 1 of their Eastern Conference Duos Rankings. The trio evaluates the top pairings throughout the conference, debates which stars complement each other best and works its way through th...

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back with another episode of Fever Focus, breaking down Indiana's impressive victory over the Seattle Storm and all the biggest storylines surrounding the team.

The guys discuss Kelsey Mitchell's explosive fourth quarter, Caitlin Clark's incredible four-game stretch, and the concern surrounding Aliyah Boston, who exited in the second quarter with a knee injury. They also share their thoughts on whether Boston could miss extended time and what that would mean for Indiana moving forward.

Plus, the conversation turns to Monique Billings, who continues to play some of her best...

After sitting down with Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan for more than an hour last week, Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to unpack everything they learned from the conversation.

Rather than simply replaying Chad's answers, the guys take a deeper dive into the interview, discussing what stood out most, reading between the lines of Buchanan's comments and explaining what his answers could mean for the Pacers heading into the 2026-27 season and beyond.

Topics include:

Today, Casey Johnson goes solo to discuss the All-Star weekend that was! 

Today is not so much a basketball show, but more a look at the humanity around the All-Star Weekend. 

Casey discusses: 

Caitlin's moment with Barack Obama How Caitlin is handling all the attention and drama WNBA players are actually friends Caitlin, Kelsey, and Aliyah's performance in the All-Star game. He then goes on to discuss Caitlin's Malika Andrews interview, Monica McNutt's reaction, and how that exact media cycle is the reason he created Fever Focus: The Wide Angle on our YouTube pag...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined once again by Brad and Ryan Knight of the Pacers Post Up Podcast for another fun offseason debate—this time focusing on the future of the Indiana Pacers.

The four rank each of the seven young players on Indiana's roster from No. 1 through No. 7, discussing who they believe has the brightest future, who carries the most long-term value and which players could become key pieces of the Pacers' next championship contender.

After comparing rankings, the conversation shifts to a bigger question: Who is the most exciting young player in...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Brad and Ryan Knight of the Pacers Post Up Podcast for a loaded discussion about LeBron James joining the Philadelphia 76ers and what the blockbuster move means for the rest of the Eastern Conference.

The guys break down how LeBron fits alongside Philadelphia’s existing core, whether the new-look 76ers should immediately be considered the favorites in the East and how his arrival changes the path back to the NBA Finals for Indiana.

They also examine the matchup from the Pacers’ perspective, highlighting the strengths Indiana could use...

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are back with another episode of Fever Focus, breaking down another eventful week for the Indiana Fever.

The guys begin by recapping Indiana's record-setting victory over the Connecticut Sun, discussing the team's offensive explosion, the biggest takeaways from the win and why this performance was another encouraging sign as the Fever head into the second half of the season.

Next, Casey dives into the recent USA Today article surrounding Caitlin Clark, sharing his thoughts on the reporting, the conversation it has sparked and what it all means for Clark as...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back with Part 2 of their exclusive interview with Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan. After spending the first episode discussing the offseason additions and roster construction, the conversation shifts to the players already on the roster and Indiana's outlook moving forward.

Chad shares incredible insight into the development of the Pacers' core, Tyrese Haliburton's recovery, the addition of Ivica Zubac, and what he believes this team is capable of over the coming years.

Topics include:

Welcome back to the Fever Focus Podcast where the vibes are HIGH! 

Listen as Alex Golden and Casey Johnson break down the weekend that was, including a back-to-back featuring two wins and more than a little history! Featuring:

Then, the conversation naturally shifts over to: is this a Fever team that, if they play like this, can win a championship?

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are joined by Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan for an in-depth conversation that spans more than an hour. Because there was so much to discuss, we're bringing you this exclusive interview in two parts.

In Part 1, Chad provides tremendous insight into the Pacers' offseason decisions, roster construction and player development, while also sharing his thoughts on several of Indiana's young players and what's ahead before training camp.

Topics include:

Alex Golden and Mike Facci wrap up their evaluation of the Indiana Pacers' offseason by answering one big question:

Did the Pacers do enough in free agency?

Piggybacking off yesterday's episode, where they graded each of Indiana's offseason moves individually, the guys zoom out to evaluate the offseason as a whole. They discuss how each addition and roster decision fits together, whether the Pacers addressed their biggest needs, and if the front office did enough to keep Indiana in the championship conversation.

Topics include:

A final evaluation of Indiana's free agency<...

Alex Golden and Michael J. Facci are back with a report card for the Indiana Pacers' offseason.

Now that the bulk of free agency is behind them and the roster is beginning to take shape, the guy's grade each of the Pacers' five major offseason moves and explain what they liked, what they questioned and how each transaction impacts Indiana's championship aspirations.

The moves discussed include:

Welcome back to another episode of the Fever Focus Podcast! Join Alex Golden and Casey Johnson as they break down everything from the Fever's disappointing loss to the Golden State Valkyries to start their homestand. 

The guys break down why this loss was predictable, then discuss the extent to which the Fever can even be faulted for their poor play in the face of the buzz saw defense of the Valkyries. The Fever put together a good run to close the gap between the two teams, but ultimately were gassed as they tried to ta...

Mike Facci is joined by Destin Adams for another fun offseason edition of Setting The Pace, and there's no shortage of topics to dive into.

The guys kick things off by discussing the latest buzz surrounding LeBron James and whether his highly anticipated announcement could finally reveal where he'll play next season. Could the Pacers really have a chance, or is it all just offseason speculation?

They also break down the Pacers' Summer League performances, discussing who has impressed the most, what they've learned from the team's young players, and what still needs to be...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to break down everything Rick Carlisle had to say during the Pacers' Summer League broadcast, and there was plenty to unpack.

The guys discuss Carlisle's comments on Tyrese Haliburton, Ivica Zubac and Jarace Walker, including why the Pacers believe Zubac is such a seamless fit with their roster and the areas where the coaching staff wants to see Jarace continue to develop.

Then, Alex and Facci dive into what could become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason and training camp: Jarace Walker vs. Ben Sheppard.

Alex Golden and Casey Johnson are joined by the television voice of the Indiana Fever, Pat Boylan, for a comprehensive midseason review of one of the WNBA's most fascinating teams.

Pat shares his perspective on where the Fever stand at the halfway point of the season, what they've overcome to get here, and what he believes is possible over the final stretch of the year.

Topics include:

Alex Golden goes solo on today's episode of Setting The Pace to break down one of the most fascinating NBA hypotheticals of the offseason:

Could the Indiana Pacers actually land LeBron James and Bronny James?

With multiple reports suggesting LeBron could be willing to sign for the veteran's minimum, Alex explains why Indiana may be a more realistic basketball fit than many of the teams being discussed.

Topics include:

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to break down everything they've seen from the Indiana Pacers during Summer League and what it could mean for the roster heading into training camp.

The guys open the show by sharing their biggest takeaways from Summer League, discussing which players have stood out, who has impressed the most and what has caught their attention early on.

They also react to Gary Trent Jr.'s massive new contract with Milwaukee and what that means for the Bucks and the Eastern Conference before discussing the Pacers bringing Kobe Brown...

Alex Golden goes solo on today’s episode of Setting The Pace for a loaded Summer League preview and an in-depth look at one of the newest members of the Indiana Pacers.

Before diving into the Summer Pacers, Alex reacts to the news that Kobe Brown is returning to Indiana on a two-way contract. Mike Facci even makes a surprise two-minute appearance to explain why this savvy move has put a little extra pep in his step.

Then, Alex gets Pacers fans ready for Summer League by going through the roster and sharing one or tw...

The Indiana Pacers continue to reshape their roster, and Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to break down everything that happened.

Indiana officially signed Kelly Oubre Jr., added veteran big man Larry Nance Jr., waived Micah Potter and created additional roster flexibility in the process. The guys explain what each move means for the Pacers, how the roster and salary situation look now and what options the front office still has moving forward.

Alex and Facci also discuss whether Indiana could promote someone from within the organization to fill one of the remaining roster...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back with a loaded hour-long episode of Setting The Pace covering the latest NBA news, free agency possibilities and some big-picture Pacers roster questions.

The guys open the show discussing the Wizards reacquiring Khris Middleton in a sign-and-trade before reacting in real time as the transaction grows into a massive multi-team deal.

Then, Alex and Facci shift their attention to DeMar DeRozan becoming a free agent. Would DeRozan make sense in Indiana? What role would he play, how would he fit with the Pacers’ style and should Indiana seriously co...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to break down all of the major and minor moves made across the Eastern Conference and discuss what they mean for the Indiana Pacers.

The guys go team by team to examine the biggest trades, signings and roster changes in the East. Which teams improved the most? Which teams took a step backward? And how has the path to the NBA Finals changed for Indiana after a busy offseason around the conference?

Then, Alex and Facci turn the smaller moves into a game of Like It, Love It...

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back to discuss what’s next in NBA free agency as the offseason enters its next stage and teams prepare to officially complete their moves on July 6.

The guys start by diving into this year’s restricted free agent market and what it could tell us about the decisions Indiana may face next offseason with Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. How should the Pacers approach those upcoming decisions, and could what happens around the league this summer impact how Indiana handles its own young players?

Alex and Facci then look...

Before the guy's dive into their discussion from Thursday night's recording, we hear from a very insightful Caitlin Clark on everything surrounding her, the WNBA as a whole, and more after her media availability on Friday morning. 

Show Notes: 

Tonight, it's been too long since we've had Fever basketball, and the guys are a little off the rails! 

First, Alex Golden and Casey Johnson discuss Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell all being named All-Star Starters and break down the fan vote, the media vote, and the player vote and what they tak...

Checkout Alex's latest articles: 
-What Other Moves Can the Pacers Make in Free Agency?
-Pacers Linked to Free Agent Shooter After Oubre Jr. Signing

Alex Golden and Mike Facci are back, and after missing the initial reaction episode, Facci finally shares his thoughts on the Indiana Pacers signing Kelly Oubre Jr. in free agency.

The guys discuss:

Then, Alex and F...

Alex Golden is joined by Casey Johnson on Setting The Pace to react to the Indiana Pacers' biggest move of free agency: signing Kelly Oubre Jr. to a reported two-year deal.

The guys break down:

SUBSCRIBE! To our YOUTUBE Channel: The WNBA's (Supposed) Caitlin Clark Problem - Fever Focus Podcast

Today, Alex Golden is back in the driver's seat as he joins Casey Johnson to talk briefly about the Fever's win over the Sparks headed into their week-long break, why they needed a get-right game, and how winning cures vibes every time! Of course, Alex did not get to comment on the Caitlin Clark drama last week, so the conversation quickly shifts to the drama, how bad it's gotten in the days since, and the league's complete mishandling of, well, everything.