Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton was the star of the 2025 playoffs, as he led the team to its second ever NBA Finals appearance. However, Haliburton’s season ended in heartbreak, as he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ultimately, the Pacers fell one win short of their first NBA title, and they’ll have to approach the 2025-26 season differently with Haliburton sidelined. Combined with the loss of Myles Turner in free agency, Indiana faces an uphill battle to defend its Eastern Conference crown.

Here’s a look at when Haliburton could return to the court.

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Is Tyrese Haliburton playing this season?

Haliburton’s postseason came to an abrupt end in Game 7 of the NBA Finals when he tore his Achilles. As the Thunder celebrated their first NBA title, the Pacers were left to cope with the loss of their best player.

As a result, Haliburton is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season while rehabbing the injury. Achilles tears are among the most difficult recoveries for athletes, often requiring about a year of rehabilitation before returning to play.

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Tyrese Haliburton injury timeline

Haliburton tore his Achilles on June 22, 2025. As the injury typically takes around a year for a player to return, Haliburton is not likley to play this season.

The point guard explained on the INPAULSIVE Podcast with Logan Paul that his timeline for return should lines up with the beginning of the 2026-27 season.

“I think it’ll be 15 months before I play my next game,” Haliburton said in August, which would put his return at November 2026.

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Pacers depth chart 2025-26RankPGSGSFPFC1.Andrew NembhardBennedict MathurinAaron NesmithPascal SiakamIsaiah Jackson2.T.J. McConnellBen SheppardJohnny FurphyObi ToppinJay Huff3.Quenton JacksonKam Jones Jarace WalkerJames Wiseman4.RayJ DennisTaelon Peter  Tony Bradley5.Tyrese Haliburton    

With Haliburton out, Indiana will have to lean on its depth for most of the season. Andrew Nembhard will take over as the starting point guard, while Bennedict Mathurin is expected to move into the starting lineup at Nembhard’s usual shooting guard spot. The Pacers will also rely more on veteran guard T.J. McConnell, who should provide his usual steady presence off the bench.

Elsewhere on the roster, center Isaiah Jackson is not only returning from his own torn Achilles later this season but is also stepping in to replace Myles Turner, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks over the summer. The Pacers’ biggest offseason addition may have been Jay Huff, a center acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies to help fill the void left by Turner.

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