Tyrese Haliburton opens about Pacers return and championship aspirations
Tyrese Haliburton played 16 minutes in his preseason return, and LeBron James said Indiana can contend if he stays healthy.
- On Tuesday, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton returned to the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for a preseason game against the Thunder, scoring 24 points in his first appearance there since tearing his Achilles during the 2025 NBA Finals.
- Haliburton missed 478 days following the June 2025 injury, enduring surgery and a severe bout of shingles while describing the recovery as '16 months from hell' before the 2026-2027 season.
- New center Ivica Zubac added 13 points and 13 rebounds, while teammates Kelly Oubre Jr., Jay Huff, and Kobe Brown each scored double digits in the 114-112 overtime defeat.
- LeBron James stated the Pacers remain dangerous if Haliburton plays at his previous level, though analyst John Hollinger projects the team will miss the playoffs, and head coach Rick Carlisle anticipates no limitations.
- The Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday to host the Milwaukee Bucks for a final preseason game before opening the 2026-2027 regular season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, October 21.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Tyrese Haliburton Makes Emotional OKC Return After Escaping '16 Months from Hell' Following Injury
Tyrese Haliburton is set to face Oklahoma City for the first time since his Achilles rupture in the 2025 NBA Finals, marking an emotional milestone after 16 months of recovery.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton scores 24 in first game back in OKC
OKLAHOMA CITY — Tyrese Haliburton made a statement in his return to the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Indiana Pacers All-Star scored 24 points in the first half alone during Tuesday night’s overtime loss to the Thunder. This was Haliburton’s first trip to OKC since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 […]
Pacers Projected to Miss the Playoffs For One Surprising Reason
The Indiana Pacers are expecting to be right back near the top of the Eastern Conference. With Tyrese Haliburton back healthy, everyone within the organization believes he can elevate the team to contender status. He will finally return from his torn Achilles.To help Haliburton out, the Pacers traded two first-round picks, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson for Ivica Zubac. Zubac gives them a legitimate starting center. However, one analyst …
LeBron James on Tyrese Haliburton and Indiana Pacers: 'Get a good night's rest'
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