"The retooled Indiana Pacers won't have a chance to ease into the 2008-09 season.

Their first four opponents made the playoffs last season.

The Pacers, trying to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence, open Oct. 29 at Detroit before playing defending champion Boston in their home opener Nov. 1. Boston beat Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals last year.

Next is a home game against Phoenix, followed by a visit to Cleveland to face LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

Other highlights from the schedule released Wednesday:

Reunion time: Toronto forward Jermaine O'Neal, who spent eight seasons in Indiana, returns to Conseco Fieldhouse on Jan. 16 and April 8. . . . Former Pacers CEO and current New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh makes his lone trip to Indianapolis on Jan. 31. . . . Former coach Rick Carlisle leads Dallas into town March 20."