The defending Central Division Champion and Eastern Conference Finalist Indiana Pacers will open the 2013-14 National Basketball Association season by hosting the Orlando Magic, Oct. 29, in Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. The Pacers will also appear on national television 17 times: eight on ESPN, seven on NBATV and two on TNT.
The schedule is highlighted by games against division rival Chicago (Nov. 6 and Mar. 21); the defending world champion Miami Heat, who the Pacers extended to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals (Dec. 10 and Mar. 26); the revamped Brooklyn Nets (Dec. 28 and Feb. 1) and the lone visit of the season by playoff foe New York (Jan. 16 in a nationally-televised game on TNT).
Visits from top Western Conference teams include: Houston (Dec. 20); the Los Angeles Clippers (Jan. 18); the Los Angeles Lakers (Feb. 25); Golden State (Mar. 4); San Antonio (Mar. 31) and Oklahoma City (Apr. 13).
Two other special home dates are the traditional night after Thanksgiving game against Washington (Nov. 28) and a 3 p.m. New Year’s Eve afternoon game against Cleveland (Tuesday, Dec. 31).
The Pacers are regarded as one the top teams in the East and contenders for the NBA championship. Led by David West, 2013 All-Star and 2012-13 Most Improved Player Paul George, center Roy Hibbert, guard George Hill and much-improved Lance Stephenson, the starting five returns intact. With the expected return of veteran Danny Granger, who played just five games last season with a knee injury, and the additions of Luis Scola, Chris Copeland, C.J. Watson, Donald Sloan and first round draft pick Solomon Hill strengthening a bench that has returning veterans Ian Mahinmi and Orlando Johnson.
All Pacers’ home games will begin at 7 p.m. except for Chicago, Nov. 6 (8 p.m.); Washington, Nov. 29 (8 p.m.); Houston, Dec. 20 (8 p.m.); Boston, Dec. 22 (6 p.m.); Cleveland, Dec. 31 (3 p.m.); Utah, Mar. 2 (6 p.m.); Miami, Mar. 26 (8 p.m.); Atlanta Apr. 6 (6 p.m.), and Oklahoma City, Apr. 13 (6 p.m.).
All games will be on radio at 1070 The Fan (1070-AM, 107.5 FM).
Fans can get information on all ticket packages, including full season, half season and 11-game Fan’s Choice by going to Pacers.com/tickets or by calling (317) 917-2827 to speak to a ticket sales representative. Single game ticket sales information for all games will be announced at a later date.
For more information, visit Pacers.com.
