Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s ruptured right Achilles couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Seven minutes into Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haliburton crumpled to the court as he took a pass and attempted to drive toward the 3-point arc.
The injury occurred just three days after Haliburton was limited to 23 minutes in Indiana’s 108-91 Game 6 win due to a lingering calf injury. Despite not playing at 100%, Haliburton recently admitted during an appearance on the “Impaulsive” podcast that he had no regrets about playing in Game 7 knowing he could risk further injury.
“I met with the doctor and he said, ‘During the regular season, I’d tell you to sit 2-3 weeks, but it’s the Finals, so [you should play],’” Haliburton stated. “You think I’m going to sit down? I had some close friends and family (members), and mentors call me after Game 5 like, ‘Hey, shut it down.’ No, [I wouldn’t have taken that advice], hell no.”
More Basketball: Candace Parker Makes Feelings About Sky’s Angel Reese Perfectly Clear
More Basketball: Lakers’ LeBron James Dethroned by Luka Doncic in ‘NBA2K’ Ratings Twist
Because his injury happened so late in the postseason and the timetable needed to fully recover from Achilles injuries, Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 season.
And even if the Pacers get back to the NBA Finals, Haliburton says he won’t be healthy enough to suit up.
“From the injury, I think it’ll be 15 months until I play my next game,” Haliburton said. “…It’s a slow process. It’s like Groundhog’s Day — every single day doing the same [expletive], same lifts, all those same things. But it is what it is.”
More Basketball: Angel Reese Hints at Major Roster Shakeup for Chicago Sky Next Season
If his recovery goes according to plan, Haliburton’s tracking to be ready in time for training camp in 2026-27.
While he’s been through grueling injuries before in his career, Haliburton admitted this one is by far the most challenging.
“Yeah [it’s the worst injury I’ve had], no question. I strained my hamstring a couple years ago — it was like a month I was out. It was the same year I needed to play 65 games to get my supermax (contract), so like I was rushing to get back. … That’s probably been the most mentally draining was that, but this is like a whole other level.”
More Basketball: WNBA Punishes Fever’s Sophie Cunningham Over Paige Bueckers Comments
The post Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton Gives Grim Update on When He’ll Play Again appeared first on Newsweek.