Pacers Game Tonight: What Most Fans Get Wrong About the 2026 Schedule

Pacers Game Tonight: What Most Fans Get Wrong About the 2026 Schedule

Look, keeping up with the NBA schedule is basically a full-time job. Honestly, if you're trying to figure out what is the Pacers game on today, January 15, 2026, you've probably noticed something weird. The Pacers just wrapped up a frustrating 115-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors last night, January 14.

There is no Indiana Pacers game today, January 15. They're in that classic "day off between home games" rhythm. After getting smoked by Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes yesterday, the team is likely back at the St. Vincent Center practicing before they host the New Orleans Pelicans tomorrow. It’s a breather. A much-needed one, considering they're sitting at 9-32 right now and really struggling without Tyrese Haliburton, who's still sidelined with that ACL injury.

Finding What is the Pacers Game On: The Streaming Maze

If you were looking for the game because you wanted to catch a replay or prep for tomorrow, the TV landscape has changed a ton this season. Most local fans are still using FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (formerly Bally). It’s the primary home for 72 of their games.

But let's be real—the streaming stuff is a mess.

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If you're out of market, you're looking at NBA League Pass. If you’re local and trying to cut the cord, your options are basically Fubo, certain tiers of DirectV Stream, or the FanDuel Sports Network app itself. For tomorrow's game against the Pelicans (Friday, Jan 16), it’ll be the same deal: 7:00 PM ET tip-off on the local FDSN Indiana feed.

The Weird 2026 TV Rules

Did you know the Pacers have a few "exclusive" games this year that aren't on cable at all?

  • Peacock: They have three games this season exclusive to NBC’s streamer.
  • Prime Video: Amazon snagged four exclusive Pacers broadcasts for 2025-26.
  • WTHR Channel 13: They’ve actually been doing some over-the-air broadcasts for select Friday and Saturday games to help fans who can’t get the regional sports networks.

It's a weird mix. One night you're on a regional network, the next you're hunting for a login for a streaming service you forgot you subscribed to.

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Why the Schedule Feels Different This Month

January is always a grind. The Pacers are currently in the middle of a heavy home stretch at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but it hasn't exactly been "home-court advantage." Losing to the Raptors yesterday hurt because Toronto is a team they usually match up well against.

Pascal Siakam did his best with 26 points and 10 boards against his old team, but when the Raptors shoot 73% in the first quarter like they did last night, you're basically cooked before the popcorn is cold.

Upcoming Schedule at a Glance

Since there's no game tonight, here is what the next week looks like for the blue and gold:

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  1. Friday, Jan 16: vs. New Orleans Pelicans (7:00 PM ET)
  2. Saturday, Jan 17: at Detroit Pistons (7:30 PM ET) - Back-to-back alert!
  3. Monday, Jan 19: at Philadelphia 76ers (7:00 PM ET)
  4. Wednesday, Jan 21: at Boston Celtics (7:30 PM ET)

That Detroit game is going to be interesting because it's a quick turnaround. Little Caesars Arena is a short flight, but back-to-backs are where this young roster usually shows its age.

Common Misconceptions About Pacers Broadcasts

People often think every game is on TNT or ESPN. In 2026, that’s just not true for small-market teams. The Pacers have very few national TV appearances this season because of their record. If you’re searching for what is the pacers game on and you see a national logo, check twice. Often, it’s a "secondary" national broadcast on NBA TV, which still gets blacked out if you live in Indy.

Another thing? The start times. Most home games are 7:00 PM, but those West Coast trips later in March will have you staying up until 10:30 PM just for tip-off.

Actionable Steps for Pacers Fans

Since tonight is an off-night, use the time to get your tech ready for the Pelicans game tomorrow.

  • Check your FanDuel Sports Network login. They recently updated the app, and a lot of people got logged out. Don't find that out at 7:05 PM.
  • Sync your calendar. If you use Google Calendar, you can subscribe to the Pacers' official "Stanza" schedule which updates automatically for time changes or flexed games.
  • WTHR check. If you don't have cable, check if tomorrow's game is one of the Channel 13 over-the-air specials. (Spoiler: Tomorrow isn't, but the Detroit game on Saturday might be available locally).

The 2025-26 season has been a test of patience for the Indy faithful. Between the Haliburton injury and the transition of the regional sports networks, just finding the game is a victory in itself. Take the night off, watch some League Pass highlights of Jarace Walker’s development, and get ready for the Pels tomorrow.