Day 4 of the 12 Days of Centers takes a look at Daniel Gafford, one of the league’s most efficient rim runners and a constant vertical threat around the basket. Brad and Ryan break down what makes Gafford intriguing for the Pacers — elite finishing at the rim, legit size, shot-blocking instincts, and the ability to thrive as a lob target in a high-tempo offense. While Gafford hasn’t been a consistent full-time starter throughout his career, his success as a high-level backup raises an interesting question: could he take a leap next to a playmaker like Tyrese Haliburton? It’s a good, not great option — but one that checks a lot of boxes and should absolutely be on the Pacers radar as they search for a long-term answer at center.

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Brad and Ryan continue The 12 Days of Centers with one of the most intriguing names to hit the rumor mill: Walker Kessler. Following yesterday’s report from Shams Charania that the Pacers are expected to be aggressive in their search for a long-term center, Kessler’s name has surfaced as a realistic target. We break down Kessler’s profile as a legitimate rim-running lob threat, elite shot blocker (2.4 BPG for his career), and developing stretch-big, who showed promising three-point flashes before undergoing labrum surgery just five games into his fourth season. At only 24, his upside as a defensive anchor and efficient play-finisher is undeniable. But what would the price tag be? Is he worth a blue-chip asset—even someone like Bennedict Mathurin? And is Kessler actually the long-term fit next to Tyrese Haliburton that Indiana should invest in? We dig into all of it. Plus…Phillip Rivers.

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Brad and Ryan continue The 12 Days of Centers with a familiar face: Domantas Sabonis. A former Pacer and fan favorite, Domas brings a rare blend of playmaking, rim-running, rebounding, and elite passing that few bigs in the league can match. We revisit his trajectory since leaving Indy, break down how his offensive versatility could elevate the Pacers’ system, and explore whether a reunion with Tyrese Haliburton in 2027 could unlock an even higher ceiling for a franchise chasing its next Finals run.

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Brad and Ryan kick off The 12 Days of Centers with a legitimate candidate whose name has been swirling in the rumor mill: Ivica Zubac. Fresh off a career year with the Clippers, Zubac brings size, physicality, and a proven track record of elite screen-setting and interior play. We break down how his game translates to Indiana, his potential fit next to Tyrese Haliburton once he returns in 2027, and whether Zubac could be the long-term defensive anchor the Pacers need for another Finals push.

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Brad and Ryan reunite for a full State of the Union on the Pacers after their brief two-game win streak comes to an abrupt end with losses to Cleveland and Denver. The guys dig into the biggest emerging theme of the season: the head scratching scoring lulls—including a brutal 22–3 Denver run to end the first half—that Indiana simply can’t survive despite otherwise solid play. They break down big nights from Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray, the return of Johnny Furphy, continued positives from Jay Huff, and Ben Sheppard’s improved shooting. The episode closes with a league-wide lens, touching on Giannis and the Bucks and what his long-term future might actually look like outside Milwaukee.

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Thanksgiving weekend brought something Pacers fans have been waiting for all season—a winning streak. Indiana took down the Wizards and then capped it with a wild buzzer-beater from Pascal Siakam to steal one against Chicago. We break down how Jay Huff’s insertion into the starting lineup has changed things on both ends, including his newfound status as the NBA’s shot-blocking leader. Plus, T.J. McConnell’s steady energy, improved defensive stretches, and what this mini-run means for the Pacers moving forward. A rare feel-good weekend for a team trying to claw back into relevance—let’s talk about it.

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The Pacers suffered a brutal Thanksgiving Eve loss in Toronto, falling 97–95 on a Brandon Ingram buzzer beater after clawing their way back from a massive deficit. Indiana surrendered a staggering 22–0 Raptors run spanning the second and third quarters, yet still showed real resilience by battling back to give themselves a chance in the final moments. With Nembhard, Mathurin, and Siakam struggling to find rhythm, TJ McConnell stepped up in a major way, finishing with 16 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds in one of his best all-around games of the season. Jay Huff continued his strong stretch, while Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard bounced back with much-improved shooting nights. But in the end, it wasn’t enough. The Pacers fall to 2–16, now holding the worst record in the NBA outright, and head into the holiday break searching for answers — and a spark as they head home for 4 straight.

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The Pacers dropped their 15th game of the season in a 122–117 loss to the red-hot Pistons, who extended their win streak to 13 and remain atop the Eastern Conference. Indiana surrendered 71 first-half points but responded with one of their best stretches of the year, outscoring Detroit by 11 in the second half and giving themselves a real chance late. Jarace Walker delivered a true breakout, scoring a career-high 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting and 5-of-6 from three, finally snapping out of his offensive slump. TJ McConnell also looked the best he has all season, dropping 16 points on 8-of-12 as he finds his rhythm after injury. Despite the loss and the 2–15 record, this was one of the most encouraging performances of the season — and a real sign that things might finally be trending upward.

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