The Indiana Pacers had such an exciting run in the playoffs last season, making it all the way to Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
That's when Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles, and everything changed.
The Pacers came up one game short, and Hali will be out for a long time.
Indiana opens its season Thursday night in a Finals rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it won't feel the same without Haliburton on the floor.
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Why isn't Tyrese Haliburton playing?
Tyrese Haliburton isn't playing in the season opener or anytime soon because of the torn Achilles he sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Haliburton has indeed already been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
He recently shared with Kevin O'Connor what he's working with during his recovery.
"I'm trying to do more stationary passing and stuff with my left hand and really trying to get better at making reads with my left," Haliburton said. "I can do a little bit of ball handling which, I hate ball handling drills. I don't have the greatest handle... I think there's many different areas where I can get better... As time goes on, I can do a little bit more."
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The Pacers have Andrew Nembhard to lead their backcourt while Haliburton is out.
When T.J. McConnell comes back from his own injury, he'll be in the point guard mix, too.
Haliburton was at the absolute peak of his powers when he went down injured.
Now, basketball fans in the Hoosier state will have to wait a long time to see him play again.
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