Sat Jan 24 03:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Walker to Start Against Thunder as Pacers Shift Lineup

The Story:

Jarace Walker will start for the Indiana Pacers in their Friday game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a report by Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. This change sees Walker replacing Jay Huff in the starting lineup, indicating a tactical shift by the Pacers to play without a traditional center in their starting five. Walker has started 13 games previously this season, averaging significant minutes and contributing across multiple statistical categories.

Key Points:

  • Jarace Walker will start against the Thunder on Friday.
  • Walker replaces Jay Huff in the starting lineup.
  • The Pacers will start without a center.
  • In 13 previous starts, Walker averaged 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 29.3 minutes per game.

Critical Analysis:

The Pacers’ decision to start Walker over Huff, effectively going without a center, could be a strategic adjustment based on the Thunder’s lineup or a desire to inject more athleticism and versatility into the starting unit. Given Walker’s previous starting experience this season and the context of recent game recap showing a loss to the Celtics, this lineup change could be an attempt to improve defensive matchups or offensive flow.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pacers are experimenting with different lineup configurations.
  • Jarace Walker is being given another opportunity to showcase his starting potential.
  • The Pacers are potentially prioritizing versatility over traditional size in their starting lineup.
  • This decision could be reactive to the Thunder’s playing style.

Impact Analysis:

This lineup change could impact the Pacers’ short-term performance against the Thunder and potentially inform future lineup decisions. If Walker performs well, it could solidify his role in the rotation and lead to more frequent starts. Conversely, if the lineup struggles, the Pacers may revert to a more traditional approach. The development of Walker in this starting role is important for the Pacers’ future.

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