The defending Central Division Champion and Eastern Conference Finalist Indiana Pacers open the 2014 season in hosting the Orlando Magic Oct. 29, in Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 7:00 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 Heat, who the Pacers extended to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals (Dec. 10 and Mar. 26); and the Nets (Dec. 28 and Feb. 1).
Two other special Pacers home dates are the traditional night after Thanksgiving game against Washington (Friday, Nov. 28, 8:00 p.m.) and a 3:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve afternoon game against Cleveland (Tuesday, Dec. 31).
The Pacers national television schedule includes the following: Chicago, Nov. 6 (ESPN); at Brooklyn, Nov. 9 (NBATV); at New York, Nov. 20 (ESPN); at Miami, Dec. 18 (ESPN); Houston, Dec. 20 (ESPN); Brooklyn, Dec. 28 (NBATV); New York, Jan. 16 (TNT); L.A. Clippers, Jan. 18 (NBATV); at Golden State, Jan. 20 (TNT); at Minnesota, Feb. 19 (ESPN); at Houston, Mar. 7 (ESPN); at New York, Mar. 19 (ESPN); at Chicago, Mar. 24 (NBATV); Miami, Mar. 26 (ESPN); San Antonio, Mar. 31 (NBATV); at Miami, Apr. 11 (NBATV); Oklahoma City, Apr. 13 (NBATV). The Pacers’ FOX Sports Indiana television schedule will be announced at a later date.
The Pacers are regarded as one the top teams in the East. All Pacers ’ home games will begin at 7:00 p.m. except for Chicago, Nov. 6 (8:00 p.m.); Washington, Nov. 29 (8:00 p.m.); Houston, Dec. 20 (8:00 p.m.); Boston, Dec. 22 (6:00 p.m.); Cleveland, Dec. 31 (3:00 p.m.); Utah, Mar. 2 (6:00 p.m.); Miami, Mar. 26 (8:00 p.m.); Atlanta (Apr. 6), 6:00 p.m., and Oklahoma City, Apr. 13 (6:00 p.m.).
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, a Fox Sports affiliate. He is also an analyst for 95.7 The Fan, and writes on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. President Obama follows his Twitter account (@PaulMBanks)