What time does the Pacer game start?
If you’re checking your watch and wondering about tip-off for the matchup against the Detroit Pistons today, January 17, 2026, here is the deal: The Pacer game starts at 7:30 PM EST. The team is heading into Detroit to play at Little Caesars Arena. Honestly, if you've been following the season, you know this is a bit of a grudge match, even with the Pacers sitting at a rough 10-32 record. They are the 12.5-point underdogs tonight. It’s tough out there.
The Real Start Time vs. "NBA Time"
We have all been there. You sit down at exactly 7:30 PM, remote in hand, and... you're watching ten minutes of highlights and commentators talking about Pascal Siakam's rebound stats.
Basically, "game time" is the broadcast start. Actual tip-off—when the ball actually leaves the ref's hands—usually happens about 10 to 15 minutes after the listed time. If you want to see the jump ball for this 7:30 PM start, aim to have your snacks ready by 7:40 PM.
Where to Watch the Pacers Tonight
Figuring out which app or channel actually has the rights this week is a headache. For the January 17 game in Detroit, you've got a few specific options depending on where you're standing.
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In-Market Fans (Indiana Area):
Most of the local 2025-26 slate is handled by FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (formerly Bally Sports). If you’re in Indy, that’s your primary home. Tonight’s game is also being picked up locally on WTHR Channel 13 in some areas, which is a massive win for the cord-cutters who still have an antenna.
Out-of-Market Fans:
If you’re living outside the Indiana/Detroit broadcast zones, you’re basically tied to NBA League Pass.
Streaming Options:
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- Fubo: Generally carries FanDuel Sports Network.
- Amazon Prime Video: You can add the FanDuel Sports subscription as an add-on here.
- Direct-to-Subscriber: The FanDuel Sports Network app itself allows a standalone sub.
Upcoming Pacers Schedule and Start Times
The road trip doesn't end in Detroit. The team is in the middle of a brutal stretch. If you're planning your week around these games, keep these times in mind because they fluctuate wildly based on the home team's time zone.
Monday, January 19 @ Philadelphia 76ers
This one is an earlier start. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST. It’s MLK Day, so expect some pre-game ceremonies that might push the actual start a few minutes later than usual.
Wednesday, January 21 @ Boston Celtics
Back to the 7:30 PM EST slot. Playing at TD Garden is never easy, especially with the way the Celtics have been shooting this year.
Friday, January 23 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Pay attention here—this is a Central Time Zone game. The start time is 8:30 PM EST (which is 7:30 PM local OKC time). If you tune in at 7:00, you’re going to be waiting a long time.
Why the Start Time Actually Matters for Your Strategy
It sounds silly, but a 7:30 PM start vs. a 7:00 PM start changes the whole vibe of Gainbridge Fieldhouse (when they’re home) or your living room.
The Pacers’ pace this season is currently 10th in the NBA at 100.6. They play fast. If you miss the first six minutes because you were finishing dinner, you might genuinely miss a 15-4 run. Rick Carlisle’s rotations have been a bit unpredictable lately due to injuries, so seeing who starts the first quarter is the only way to gauge how the night is going to go.
Impact of the Central Division Standings
Tonight’s 7:30 PM start against the Pistons is a "basement battle." The Pacers are 5th in the division. Detroit is significantly ahead at 29-10. Even though the record looks lopsided, these division games usually start with high intensity.
Pascal Siakam is still the engine, leading the team with 23.6 points per game. Watching how he matches up against Detroit's interior defense early on—right around that 7:42 PM actual tip—will tell you if the Pacers can cover that 12.5-point spread.
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How to Get Last Minute Tickets
If you happen to be in Detroit or are planning for the next home game on January 28 against the Bulls, start times dictate the market.
For tonight at Little Caesars Arena, tickets were hovering around $32 to $43 on SeatGeek and Ticketmaster just a few hours ago. Usually, the "sweet spot" for buying is about two hours before the pacer game starts. That is when professional resellers panic and drop prices to avoid a total loss.
Pro Tip: If you're going to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a 7:00 PM game, the doors usually open 60 to 90 minutes before tip-off. For a 7:00 PM start, get there at 6:00 PM if you want to see the players' shooting warm-ups. It’s honestly the best part of the experience.
Actionable Steps for Tonight's Game
- Set an alarm for 7:25 PM EST: This gives you five minutes to find the right channel (FDSN Indiana or WTHR) before the broadcast officially begins.
- Check the Injury Report at 6:00 PM: The NBA mandates injury updates throughout the day. By 6:00 PM, we usually know for sure if Siakam or Nembhard are officially "Go."
- Sync your streaming app: If you're using the FanDuel Sports Network app, log in now. Nothing is worse than the app demanding a password update right as the game starts.
- Check the local weather: If you're actually attending the game in Detroit or future games in Indy, remember it's mid-January. Entry lines can get long and cold; allow an extra 20 minutes for security.
The Pacers may be having a "rebuilding" year, but the games remain high-scoring and chaotic. Whether you're watching for the draft lottery odds or just to see Mac McClung (who's surprisingly leading the team in steals at 1.67!), knowing the exact start time is the first step to not missing the chaos.