So, you’re trying to figure out what time does pacers game start before you miss the opening jump ball. Honestly, being a Pacers fan in 2026 means keeping a constant eye on the clock because the NBA's scheduling is all over the place this season. Whether they are defending home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or grinding out a road trip on the East Coast, the start times vary more than a Tyrese Haliburton no-look pass.
Basically, if it’s a standard home game in Indianapolis, you’re usually looking at a 7:00 PM ET tip-off. But "usually" is a dangerous word in sports. Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Pacers are actually enjoying a rare night off after a tough back-to-back stretch. They just came off a brutal loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, a 121-78 blowout that honestly left most of us wondering where the offense went. If you were looking for a game tonight, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see them back in action.
When Do the Pacers Play Next?
The next time you need to worry about what time the Pacers game starts is Monday, January 19, 2026. This one is a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Since it’s a holiday, the NBA sometimes messes with the times, but this specific game is locked in for 7:00 PM ET.
It's an away game at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philly. If you are watching from Indy, make sure you’ve got your snacks ready by 6:45 PM because the local broadcasts usually start their pre-game hype right then.
Upcoming Pacers Schedule and Start Times
Looking ahead at the rest of January, the schedule is pretty packed. Here’s a quick rundown of the tip-off times for the next few games so you can plan your week:
- Wednesday, Jan 21 @ Boston Celtics: This one starts a bit later at 7:30 PM ET.
- Friday, Jan 23 @ Oklahoma City Thunder: Pay attention here. Since it’s in the Central Time Zone, the game tips at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time). Plus, this one is a Prime Video exclusive.
- Monday, Jan 26 @ Atlanta Hawks: Back to a 7:30 PM ET start.
- Wednesday, Jan 28 vs. Chicago Bulls: They finally return home to Indy for a 7:00 PM ET tip.
Why Do the Start Times Keep Changing?
It’s annoying, right? One night it’s 7:00, the next it’s 7:30, and then suddenly you’re waiting until 8:00. Most of this comes down to TV deals. When the Pacers get picked up for national broadcasts—like on Peacock, Prime Video, or the rare ESPN slot—they often push the start time back to accommodate a national audience.
For example, when they played the Celtics earlier this month (that nail-biter on Jan 12 where they won 98-96), the game started at 7:30 PM because it was a Peacock exclusive. If it’s just a regular FanDuel Sports Network Indiana broadcast, 7:00 PM is your safest bet for home games.
Another factor is the venue. When the team travels out West, you can kiss your early bedtime goodbye. Road games in places like Los Angeles or Phoenix usually won’t start until 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM ET. Thankfully, the current stretch is mostly East Coast and Midwest, so your sleep schedule is safe for now.
Where to Watch the Pacers
Knowing the time is only half the battle; you also have to find the right channel. In 2026, the streaming wars have made this a bit of a headache.
- Local Fans: Most games are on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana. If you’ve still got cable, it’s there. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’re likely using Fubo or the FanDuel Sports Plus app.
- National/Streaming: This season is heavy on the streaming. Keep your logins ready for Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.
- Radio: If you’re stuck in traffic on I-465, flip over to 93.5/107.5 FM The Fan. Mark Boyle is still the gold standard for radio play-by-play.
What to Watch For in the Next Game
The Pacers are currently sitting at a rough 9-32 record. It’s been a season defined by the "injury bug." We’ve seen Bennedict Mathurin out with a thumb injury and Tyrese Haliburton dealing with that nagging Achilles issue.
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When you tune in at 7:00 PM tomorrow, watch how Rick Carlisle manages the rotation with a shorthanded bench. Jarace Walker has been getting more minutes lately, and after his 13-point performance in the Detroit loss, he might be the spark they need against Philly.
Honestly, the biggest challenge for the Pacers right now is just staying healthy enough to compete. They’ve had games this month where they looked like a playoff team—like that win against the Pelicans on Friday—and then games where they looked like a G-League squad. Consistency is the name of the game.
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Actionable Tips for Pacers Fans
To make sure you never miss a tip-off, here is what you should actually do:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Pacers website and download the schedule to your phone. It automatically updates for time changes.
- Check the Injury Report: NBA teams have to release an official report about 3 hours before tip-off. If Haliburton is a late scratch, the "vibe" of the game changes instantly.
- Set a "Buffer" Alarm: Set an alarm for 15 minutes before the scheduled start. NBA games almost never actually tip at the exact minute listed—usually, it’s about 8-10 minutes after the hour—but you don’t want to be the person frantically trying to find the remote during the first possession.
The road doesn't get any easier with the 76ers and Celtics up next. Keep those 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM starts marked on your calendar and hope the shots start falling again.