Pacers Roundtable: Eight Thoughts on the Season Ahead

October 22, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert (17) controls the ball against Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

6) What matchup are you most excited for this year?

Siskin: PG vs. LeBron, and when Hibbert & West return to Bankers Life.

Muncy: Since the Miami Heat dismantled, and the New York Knicks are a complete bust, I would argue the Pacers have no rivals. The game I want to go to most? Minnesota Timberwolves. Getting to watch Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Garnett, and Karl Anthony-Towns is exactly what I want.

Wilson: Cavs and Lakers. Cavs, because I want to see how we match-up with the team to beat. LeBron has always been the mountain in the Eastern Conference, so I’m looking forward to seeing how far we have to climb. Lakers, simply due to the Roy Hibbert effect. I appreciate all Roy did for the franchise, but I’m looking forward to seeing him in another uniform.

Rund: I suppose I’m a bit biased, but I’m excited to see the Pacers take on the Washington Wizards. Living in D.C. I hear a lot of talk about John Wall and the Wizards and how they’re going to be a contender in the East this year. I can’t wait to sit in the nosebleeds of the Verizon Center this season and watch the Pacers tear them to shreds.

Turpen: Pacers vs. Cavs. I really hope that the Pacers/LeBron James rivalry picks up where it left off before James left Miami.

McKee: There are always going to be those games that I look forward to every year no matter the opponent’s record. The early matchups against Miami, Boston, and New York should be fun. I am most excited to see how the Pacers stack up against some of the Western Conference competition in head-to-head matchups. Luckily, they play Golden State twice which will be a great measuring stick for their new philosophy. The matchups against former players Roy Hibbert (Lakers) and David West (Spurs) will be especially fun.

Stewart: First and foremost, Roy’s return to BLF and West’s return as well, but for completely different reasons. Big Eastern Conference and Central Divison games like when the Bulls, Cavs, and Pistons come to town are always great, but it’s never a bad game when the powerhouses of the West (think Spurs, Warriors, Thunder) roll in.

Next: How can the season end?