Pacers Start Braden Smith in First NBA Game

Rookie guard Braden Smith makes his first NBA start as Indiana plays the Hawks in the second game of a back-to-back.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball

Pacers Start Braden Smith in First NBA Game

The Indiana Pacers will start rookie Braden Smith in his first NBA start against the Atlanta Hawks on November 2, 2026. Indiana will dress only eight players, seven of whom are available, due to injuries and rest decisions.

Why it matters

The lineup change comes as the Pacers manage a heavy injury list and rest several starters during their second back-to-back in a week. Smith's promotion gives Indianapolis fans a close look at a local product stepping into a larger role.

Braden Smith has played 18 minutes over four appearances, going 0 of 3 from the floor and scoring one point on a free throw. Indiana's roster for the game includes eight dressed players, seven of whom are healthy, with the availability of the remaining players still undetermined.

The players

Braden Smith

A former Purdue All-American and Westfield High School star, Smith is the all-time assists leader in Division I history and was selected in the second round on a two-way contract.

Indiana Pacers

The Indianapolis-based franchise competes in the NBA's Eastern Conference and has built its roster around a deep group of guards and wings.

The details

Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard are sitting out the second half of the back-to-back for rest or injury management, while Obi Toppin will dress to reach the minimum of eight active players without playing. Larry Nance Jr. is listed as doubtful with an illness and will not play.

November 2, 2026: Pacers start Braden Smith against the Hawks in the second night of a back-to-back.

Season Trajectory

Indiana's use of a second-round rookie in a starting role during a stretch of injuries and rest days reflects the team's reliance on depth as it works through a demanding early schedule. The move also follows a pattern of the franchise developing players from Indiana's college and high school ranks to fill rotation spots.

Smith's increased role could affect fantasy rosters, since his limited minutes to date have produced little scoring. Fans tracking the Pacers' rotation should watch whether Smith's minutes continue to grow as the team's injury list stays long.

The takeaway

Smith's first start puts a second-round pick in a meaningful role during a short stretch of injuries and rest, a reminder that roster depth can open doors quickly in the NBA. Readers following the Pacers should watch his minutes and shooting over the coming games.