Tyrese Haliburton Injury Update: Indiana Pacers Star Shares Positive Progress in Achilles Rehab After NBA Finals Setback

Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton has offered an optimistic update on his recovery from the devastating Achilles tendon injury he suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The injury, which required surgery, has ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 season, but Haliburton’s steady progress has Indiana Pacers fans hopeful for his long-term return.

Tyrese Haliburton Reaches Key Milestones in Achilles Rehab

Speaking to reporters in late August, the 25-year-old guard revealed that he is hitting new milestones in his rehab. “I’m walking now in my boot,” Haliburton shared, via Tony East. “Getting closer to walking full time in my shoe. So that’s exciting for me.

It’s kind of like a new benchmark, a new achievement for me… Just being able to walk; it’s like the small wins right now. Just taking it a day at a time. I have good days, bad days.

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He also emphasized the mental side of the journey: “Yeah, things are going well… Same treatment, same stuff every day. But falling in love with the grind of that. Just trying to get as well as I can as fast as I can.”Tyrese Haliburton described his progress as a series of “small wins,” acknowledging that the recovery process comes with highs and lows.

Despite the daily grind, he remains encouraged by the direction things are moving.

Indiana Pacers and Haliburton Prioritize Long-Term Health Over Quick Return

The Indiana Pacers have officially ruled Haliburton out for the 2025-26 campaign, understanding the severity of Achilles injuries, which often require 10 to 12 months of healing. Haliburton himself has echoed this cautious stance.“I want to be at 100 percent; I don’t want to come back at 85 or 90 percent,” he said, stressing that a full recovery is his only priority.Haliburton, who turns 26 in February, still has plenty of prime years ahead. While his absence will leave a major gap in Indiana’s rotation, the Pacers are focused on ensuring he returns fully healthy and ready to resume his leadership role.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Finals Injury Leaves a Major Void for Indiana

Tyrese Haliburton’s injury came at a heartbreaking moment for Indiana, which fell to the Thunder in a grueling Game 7 of the Finals. The guard had been instrumental during the playoff run, averaging nearly 19 points and over nine assists per game while contributing across the board in rebounds and steals.Without him, the Indiana Pacers face a challenging 2025-26 season. President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard has expressed confidence in Haliburton’s eventual return, saying the team will not jeopardize his long-term health for short-term success.

Support from Caitlin Clark and Teammates Keeps Tyrese Haliburton Motivated

Haliburton has leaned on both teammates and fellow athletes during his recovery. Fever star Caitlin Clark, who is also dealing with an injury, has been a source of camaraderie, while Pacers big men James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson - who both suffered Achilles injuries last season - have shared advice and encouragement.This support system has helped Haliburton embrace the day-to-day grind and stay motivated through the toughest stretches of rehab.

Indiana Pacers Fans Can Expect Haliburton Back at Full Strength in 2026

Although the Indiana Pacers’ upcoming season will be without their leader, Tyrese Haliburton’s outlook remains positive. He recently reiterated that he has no regrets about playing through the Finals injury, framing his sacrifice as part of his commitment to the team and the city of Indianapolis.Also read: Magic Johnson Honors Kobe Bryant With Emotional Birthday Tribute on His 47thAt just 25, with multiple All-Star appearances already under his belt, Haliburton’s best years are still ahead. Updates on his recovery are expected throughout the season, but when he does return, it will be at full strength, with the determination to pick up where he left off as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.