Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss extended time after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources confirm to Shams Charania.
The Indiana Pacers’ postseason run ended not only in heartbreak but with a stunning and potentially season-altering injury to their franchise cornerstone. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the second half of Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The injury is expected to sideline the 24-year-old guard for a significant portion of the 2025–26 NBA season and potentially keep him out of the upcoming Olympics.
Haliburton went down early in the third quarter after making a hard plant on a fast break. He immediately clutched the back of his leg and was helped off the court without putting weight on his right foot. The Pacers medical staff confirmed initial fears after MRI results showed a full tear of the Achilles tendon. The injury casts a long shadow over both the Pacers’ future and Haliburton’s career trajectory, which had been on a rapid ascent.
A Career Year Cut Short
Before the injury, Haliburton was enjoying the best season of his career. Averaging 20.7 points, 10.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, the All-Star had established himself as one of the NBA’s elite playmakers. He led the league in assists and had been the engine of the Pacers’ high-octane offense that finished top five in the league in scoring.
Haliburton’s leadership and unselfish style of play helped Indiana reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020, where they upset the Milwaukee Bucks and pushed the Thunder to seven games. His performances throughout the postseason had drawn rave reviews, and he was widely viewed as a future Team USA fixture heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics.
That dream may now be over, or at the very least delayed.
Pacers Face Uncertain Future
The injury is a massive blow to Indiana’s long-term ambitions. With Haliburton signed through 2029 on a five-year, $260 million max extension, the Pacers had envisioned a core built around his brilliance and the continued development of young stars like Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Andrew Nembhard.
President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard and head coach Rick Carlisle now face difficult offseason decisions. With Haliburton likely to miss 9 to 12 months, Indiana must decide whether to stand pat, trust internal development, or pursue a veteran guard to temporarily shoulder the playmaking load.
The injury also raises questions about Haliburton’s future effectiveness. Achilles injuries, while no longer career-ending as they once were, remain among the most difficult for athletes—particularly guards who rely heavily on change of pace and quick lateral movement.
Yet optimism remains. Players like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson have returned from Achilles injuries and re-established themselves as All-Star talents. Haliburton’s age, work ethic, and high basketball IQ suggest he could make a full recovery and return to his elite form in time.
Olympic Setback for Team USA
Haliburton was widely projected to be part of Team USA’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, potentially in a backup guard role behind Stephen Curry. His chemistry with teammates and ability to adapt to different roles made him an ideal fit in the international setting.
With Haliburton now out, Team USA will need to look elsewhere for depth at the point guard position. This could open the door for someone like Jalen Brunson, Jrue Holiday, or De’Aaron Fox to fill the void.
USA Basketball officials have not released a statement, but sources suggest that Haliburton’s injury forces a reshuffling of the backcourt depth chart ahead of July’s training camp in Las Vegas.
League-Wide Reaction
NBA players and fans alike have rallied behind Haliburton in the wake of the news. Stars like LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Kevin Durant posted messages of support on social media, with Durant tweeting: “Prayers up for Tyrese. Tough to see a young star go down like that. Wishing you a strong recovery.”
The Pacers issued an official statement late Monday night:
“We are heartbroken by the news of Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. Tyrese embodies everything we value as a franchise: selflessness, leadership, and elite talent. We will support him through every step of his recovery and look forward to his return stronger than ever.”
Fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse have already begun leaving signs and well wishes outside the arena, a testament to Haliburton’s growing status as the face of the franchise and a fan favorite across the league.
What’s Next?
In the short term, the Pacers enter the offseason with a somber outlook. Their playoff success was a clear sign of progress, but Haliburton’s injury now shifts the focus toward rehab and recovery. Free agency and the draft will take on added urgency as Indiana looks to bolster the roster and potentially add more ball-handling depth.
For Haliburton, the road ahead will be long and grueling. But if his trajectory so far is any indication, fans and analysts alike should expect him to attack rehab with the same intensity and focus he brings to the hardwood.
The basketball world waits, hopeful, that one of its brightest young stars will shine again soon.
Leave a Reply