Jun 13, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half during game four of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

After tearing his Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton will understandably miss the Indiana Pacers' season opener on Thursday night against the defending league champion Oklahoma City Thunder. That's not an injury you recover from enough in five months to be healthy enough to play professional basketball only roughly five months later.

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But the overarching question about one of the NBA's brightest superstars remains pertinent.

When exactly will Haliburton return from his Achilles injury?

As it stands, Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-2026 season to recover from his Achilles injury, per Pacers president Kevin Pritchard. That means the earliest we will see Haliburton again is in October 2026 ... of next season. It's a real shame we won't get to see Haliburton play basketball until next year. He's such an entertaining player to watch when he's at his best. It's probably an even bigger shame for the Pacers, considering what the reigning Eastern Conference champions might have been able to accomplish this season if they had a healthy Haliburton.

Alas, Haliburton will only be 26 years old come next October. The Pacers are understandably trying to take a long-term perspective with their franchise player to ensure he gives them great seasons for years to come. If that means allowing him to take his time over a year-plus in recovery, then so be it.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: When is Tyrese Haliburton coming back for Pacers?

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

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