Tyrese Haliburton to miss entire 2025-26 NBA season with torn Achilles, Indiana Pacers confirm: Find out when is star point guard expected to return
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard confirmed the news when speaking to the media after the team's Summer League practice on July 7.
President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard addressed the media following today's Summer League practice. pic.twitter.com/5hzEWquMIa — Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 7, 2025
The 25-year-old suffered the injury during the decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder last month, a game the Pacers lost 103-91, ending their hopes of a first NBA title.
Haliburton, who had been instrumental in the Pacers' impressive playoff run, collapsed without contact while attempting to drive to the basket.
The injury was immediately concerning, and he was helped off the court in visible distress.
Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury in Game 7. pic.twitter.com/AZ1uk65dFg
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2025
The Achilles rupture follows a troubling trend of similar injuries during the 2025 playoffs, which also sidelined high-profile players like Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
Pritchard confirmed the length of Haliburton's absence, stating that the surgery was successful, but the point guard will not return for the upcoming season.
"We would not jeopardise that now," Pritchard said, expressing hope that Haliburton would return stronger in the future.
During the 2024-25 season, Haliburton played a crucial role in the Pacers' run to the NBA Finals, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
His performances in the playoffs, where he averaged 14 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, were pivotal to the Pacers' success, and his absence next season is a significant blow to the team.
Man. Don't know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I've worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense.
Now that I've gotten surgery, I wish I could count the… pic.twitter.com/UyY0iFEp6Z — Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) June 24, 2025
Despite the setback, Pacers President remained optimistic about Haliburton's recovery, stating that he had authored one of the most remarkable individual playoff runs in recent history.
However, with no clear timeline for his return, Haliburton's future remains uncertain.
The injury has raised concerns across the league, particularly after the high number of Achilles injuries suffered in the playoffs.
Teams are increasingly looking into methods to prevent these serious injuries, as they continue to impact key players' careers.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Tyrese Haliburton to miss entire 2025-26 NBA season with torn Achilles, Indiana Pacers confirm: Find out when is star point guard expected to return
Tyrese Haliburton, star point guard for the Indiana Pacers, will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon. Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard confirmed the news when speaking to the media after the team's Summer League practice on July 7. President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard addressed the media following today's Summer League practice. — Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 7, 2025 The 25-year-old suffered the injury during the decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder last month, a game the Pacers lost 103-91, ending their hopes of a first NBA title. Haliburton, who had been instrumental in the Pacers' impressive playoff run, collapsed without contact while attempting to drive to the basket. The injury was immediately concerning, and he was helped off the court in visible distress. Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury in Game 7. — ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2025 The Achilles rupture follows a troubling trend of similar injuries during the 2025 playoffs, which also sidelined high-profile players like Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. Pritchard confirmed the length of Haliburton's absence, stating that the surgery was successful, but the point guard will not return for the upcoming season. "We would not jeopardise that now," Pritchard said, expressing hope that Haliburton would return stronger in the future. During the 2024-25 season, Haliburton played a crucial role in the Pacers' run to the NBA Finals, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. His performances in the playoffs, where he averaged 14 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, were pivotal to the Pacers' success, and his absence next season is a significant blow to the team. Man. Don't know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I've worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense. Now that I've gotten surgery, I wish I could count the… — Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) June 24, 2025 Despite the setback, Pacers President remained optimistic about Haliburton's recovery, stating that he had authored one of the most remarkable individual playoff runs in recent history. However, with no clear timeline for his return, Haliburton's future remains uncertain. The injury has raised concerns across the league, particularly after the high number of Achilles injuries suffered in the playoffs. Teams are increasingly looking into methods to prevent these serious injuries, as they continue to impact key players' careers.
Express Tribune
20-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Is Haliburton injured? Status of star player after Indiana Pacers force Game 7 in NBA finals against Oklahoma City Thunder
The Indiana Pacers delivered a dominant performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, dismantling the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 and setting the stage for a dramatic winner-take-all Game 7 on June 22. Cheered on by a fervent home crowd and franchise legend Reggie Miller, the Pacers displayed a balanced, energetic effort, refusing to allow the Thunder to clinch the championship on their court. The resounding victory ensures that the 2025 NBA title will now be decided in Oklahoma City, where the two teams will meet one final time at the Paycom Center. Balanced Offence Fuels Indiana Obi Toppin led all Pacers scorers with 20 points off the bench, providing a crucial spark. Star forward Pascal Siakam added 17 points, while Tyrese Haliburton—despite nursing a calf strain that had him questionable before tipoff—contributed 14 points and five assists in just 23 minutes of action. Haliburton's short but effective stint was made possible by the Pacers' early dominance, which saw them take a 22-point lead into halftime. The game was effectively over by the fourth quarter, allowing Indiana to rest key players in anticipation of Sunday's finale. 'We didn't want to see these guys celebrate a championship on our home floor,' Haliburton told ABC postgame. 'Backs against the wall, we just responded. Different guys chip in. Total team effort. Really proud of this group.' Thunder Falter on the Road The Thunder, meanwhile, struggled throughout the night. Oklahoma City shot just 24.1% from three-point range and committed numerous unforced errors as frustration mounted. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates were benched midway through the fourth quarter, signalling an early concession. Oklahoma City had entered Game 6 needing only one win to secure their first title since the franchise's relocation from Seattle in 2008. Instead, they now face a tense Game 7 at home, reminiscent of the 2016 NBA Finals—the last time the championship series extended to a final game. Haliburton Inspires With Grit Haliburton's decision to play through injury resonated strongly with teammates and fans alike. The All-Star guard downplayed his physical limitations, insisting that participating in the Finals outweighed any personal risk. 'I think I'd beat myself up if I didn't give it a chance,' he said. 'All of us have to give everything we have. I give everything I have for this group.' With two full days to recover, Haliburton's brief appearance may prove pivotal as the Pacers look to carry momentum into hostile territory. A Rare Game 7 Looms Game 7 of the NBA Finals is a rarity, with only four such contests held in the past 30 years. The last occurred in 2016, when LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic title over Golden State. This year's final showdown is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday in Oklahoma City. With both teams now just one win away from glory, the basketball world is poised for a climactic end to an unpredictable and fiercely contested series. 'It's a one-game series now,' said Haliburton. 'We've got a lot of faith in this group. What more can you ask for?'
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers 111-104: Shai leads thunder to tie NBA finals 2-2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 35 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied late to beat the Indiana Pacers 111-104 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, levelling the best-of-seven series at 2-2 in Indianapolis on Saturday. Trailing by seven at the start of the fourth quarter, the Thunder outscored the Pacers 31-17 in the final period and closed the game with a 12-1 run over the last three minutes. "I knew what it would have looked like if we lost tonight," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. "I didn't want to go down not swinging." Thunder coach Mark Daigneault adjusted the rotation, giving the season's Most Valuable Player a break late in the third quarter instead of his usual rest in the fourth. The move paid off as Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of Oklahoma City's final 16 points. Jalen Williams contributed 27 points and seven rebounds, while Alex Caruso added 20 off the bench. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 20 points and Tyrese Haliburton added 18, but the Pacers struggled in the closing stretch. "We just didn't execute at the end of the game," Siakam said. "We missed the easy shots and they made theirs." The Thunder will host Game 5 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Monday at 19:30 local time (05:30 PST Tuesday).
