As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, there’s still some unfinished business on their end. But for many of their Eastern Conference rivals, the offseason puzzle is nearly complete. With rosters mostly locked in and training camps just weeks away, it’s the perfect time to assess how the East has shifted—and where the Sixers stand in the hierarchy of a conference suddenly full of uncertainty.
One team that stands out—albeit for unfortunate reasons—is the Indiana Pacers. Just a few months ago, they were one win away from securing the franchise’s first NBA title. Now, they’re facing a long, uncertain road after superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating Achilles tear in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That single moment altered the entire course of the Pacers’ future.
Heading into last season, Indiana wasn’t widely considered a title contender. But under head coach Rick Carlisle, the team found its identity—playing fast, moving the ball, and leaning on Haliburton’s All-NBA-caliber play. They navigated the Eastern Conference playoffs with a mix of youthful energy, shooting, and surprisingly strong defense, taking down more established teams along the way.
Haliburton, in particular, was the engine behind their run. His playmaking, vision, and leadership helped unlock the full potential of guys like Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, and breakout forward Jarace Walker. The Pacers’ offensive efficiency spiked with Haliburton healthy, and his presence made everyone around him better.
But now, the Pacers face a cruel reality. A torn Achilles is one of the most challenging injuries in professional sports—not only in terms of recovery time, which often stretches beyond a year—but also due to the lingering effects on explosiveness and mobility, especially for guards who rely on quick-twitch bursts.
Without Haliburton, Indiana likely shifts from contender status back into a developmental phase. They’ll still be competitive, thanks to the growth of their young core and the coaching stability Carlisle provides, but the ceiling has undeniably dropped.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, that’s significant.
With one of last season’s top Eastern Conference threats removed—or at least dramatically weakened—the door is open for another team to step into that void. The Sixers, led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and a roster that remains largely intact, could be one of those teams. Assuming good health, continued growth from their young players, and a bit more luck come playoff time, they could take advantage of the weakened state of the East.
It’s also worth noting that Indiana’s setback could reshape the seeding race. A team that would’ve been a lock for a top-four finish may now find itself hovering closer to the play-in range, depending on how well they adjust without their floor general. That has ripple effects across the conference—possibly easing the regular-season burden for Philadelphia and improving their playoff path.
Ultimately, while the Pacers’ Cinderella story ended in heartbreak, their fall could mean opportunity for others. The Sixers would be wise to recognize this shift in the landscape, stay healthy, and keep their foot on the gas as the 2025-26 season begins.
After all, windows in the NBA can open and close fast—and this might just be Philadelphia’s moment to seize one.