The Indiana Pacers will open the season at Central Division rival Detroit on Oct. 29 and play the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in their home opener at Conseco Fieldhouse three nights later. The NBA announced the 2008-09 schedule on Wednesday.
Indiana, which missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons, will start its second campaign under coach Jim O’Brien with an almost completely revamped roster that includes new arrivals T.J. Ford, Jarrett Jack, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, Josh McRoberts and first-round draft picks Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert. Among the departed players is veteran Jermaine O’Neal, who was traded to Toronto.
The Pacers’ early home schedule also includes games against Phoenix with Shaquille O’Neal and Steve Nash on Nov. 5 and the Los Angeles Lakers with league MVP Kobe Bryant on Dec. 2.
The Celtics’ final visit to Conseco Fieldhouse this season will be on Dec. 7. Indiana also will visit Boston on Dec. 3 and Feb. 27.
Former Indiana high school Mr. Basketball Eric Gordon, who left IU after his freshman season, will make his only appearance against the Pacers in Indianapolis on Dec. 19 with the Los Angeles Clippers. Former Lawrence North teammates Mike Conley of Memphis and Greg Oden of Portland also will play in their hometown on Feb. 25 and March 18, respectively.
Ten of Indiana’s final 14 games will be at home, including the last three games against Detroit on April 11, Cleveland on April 13 and Milwaukee on April 15.
