Tyrese Haliburton is slated to suit up for Indiana on opening night of the 2026-27 season after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign with a torn right Achilles tendon. The injury occurred early in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending the Pacers’ championship run and sidelining the All-Star point guard for the full season.
Coach Rick Carlisle observed that Haliburton has been playing full-court 5-on-5 basketball for weeks and described his progress as aggressive during the summer league broadcast. The veteran guard echoed that sentiment, saying, “I feel great. Body feels great. I’m able to do everything,” and adding, “I feel like I’m operating like I’m a healthy NBA player, for the first time in a long time, which is exciting.” Since April, Haliburton has participated in five-on-five activities and shows no lingering physical restrictions.
Haliburton’s return restores the Pacers’ primary playmaking engine. The offense has long revolved around his pick-and-roll vision and off-ball shooting, allowing the frontcourt to operate without constant isolation. With his ability to attack the rim and create high-percentage looks, defenses will have to respect his penetration, which in turn opens space for perimeter shooters and post players. The timing of his comeback aligns with Indiana’s broader strategy of continuity and health management, a philosophy that has guided the development of other key pieces in recent years.
The coaching staff is expected to monitor Haliburton’s minutes closely through training camp, the preseason, and the early portion of regular-season action. A gradual increase in workload will aim to preserve his conditioning while re-integrating him into the team’s rhythm. Early-season minutes will be critical, as any setback could limit the Pacers’ flexibility during the stretch run toward the playoffs.
If Haliburton maintains his current health level, Indiana returns to a roster anchored by an All-NBA-caliber floor general. His playmaking, shooting, and leadership have the potential to elevate the Pacers from a rebuilding narrative to a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, provided the rehabilitation process continues without incident.
