Overview
- Haliburton, who ruptured his Achilles in the 2025 NBA Finals, said Wednesday he played a full five‑on‑five scrimmage for the first time since June.
- He remains out for the entire 2025-26 season with no game-return timetable, and the Pacers are 18-61, the league’s second-worst record.
- He had surgery the day after the June 22 injury and has reached roughly Week 41 of rehab, with some outlets noting Jayson Tatum’s return around Week 43 as a rough benchmark rather than a target.
- His recovery has included setbacks such as a bout of shingles and fitness challenges, underscoring that contact work does not equal game clearance.
- Indiana could pair his eventual return with Pascal Siakam, Ivica Zubac and a likely high lottery pick, a mix that could accelerate a rebound next season.