TITLE: Slawson’s Spark, Zubac’s Knock, Haliburton’s Rehab, Boom Re-Sign Bell
SLUG: pacers-slawson-energy-zubac-injury-haliburton-rehab-bell-return
CONTENT:
Indiana’s coaching staff and veterans say forward Jalen Slawson has made a quick impact since joining the Pacers on a two-way deal late last month. In Wednesday’s game, the 26-year-old logged 37 minutes and finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks, nearly leading a fourth-quarter rally that ultimately fell short.
“His energy and effort is really, really amazing,” center Ivica Zubac said after the game. “He’s blocking shots, rebounding, cutting to the right spots and taking the right shots. We all gotta play like that.”
Head coach Rick Carlisle echoed the praise, highlighting Slawson’s defensive activity and growing comfort on offense. “You can see he has good feel,” Carlisle noted. “He can drive it, he’s got ball skills, and he’s becoming more decisive the more he plays.”
Zubac escapes concussion protocol
Zubac did not finish Wednesday’s loss after Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan accidentally elbowed him in the head while attempting to dunk a lob. The 7-footer left with a visible lump on the right side of his head but reported no headaches and was not placed in the concussion protocol. “I just got popped in the head and it swelled up, but no headaches or anything. I feel good,” Zubac said in the locker room.
Haliburton outlines recovery goals
All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined since tearing his Achilles tendon, told DJ Siddiqi of Casino.org that he has not set statistical targets for the 2026-27 campaign. “For me, it’s just about coming back and being the best version of myself,” Haliburton said. “Obviously I want to get exactly back to where I was and beyond— and win a championship, of course.”
Noblesville Boom bring back Jordan Bell
The Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom, has reacquired forward Jordan Bell. The club already held Bell’s returning-player rights; he spent the 2024-25 season with the Boom before a left knee injury required surgery and ended his year.
Indiana next faces a two-game road swing as Slawson continues to carve out minutes and Zubac monitors his head injury.
Source: Hoops Rumors
