Pacers prepare for an emotional Haliburton homecoming
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Tyrese Haliburton wiped away tears after Wednesday's season-opening win in New Orleans, overwhelmed by the simple joy of playing basketball again.
- On Friday night, he brings that emotion home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Why it matters: The Pacers' star guard is back after a devastating Achilles injury, giving Indianapolis a true comeback story to follow and a team with renewed postseason ambitions.
What they're saying: "I had moments in private, especially early, when it was hard," Haliburton said. "I thought that this moment would feel super emotional for me. I didn't think I was going to cry. I really didn't."
- "This organization, this city, means a lot. And it just means a lot for me to be back doing what I love."
Zoom in: Haliburton, who missed all of last season after rupturing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, had 23 points and 12 assists in a 123-120 win over the Pelicans.
- His tears flowed during a postgame interview with Pacers reporter Jeremiah Johnson, and Indiana's All-Star guard said seeing Pacers fans in the arena helped bring them to the surface.
- "It feels like it just took forever to get here," he said. "It's been, what, 16, 17 months? But I just really appreciate being here."
By the numbers: Haliburton scored 13 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, including two go-ahead baskets in the final two minutes. He played nearly 34 minutes, showing both his playmaking and his ability to close.
- "Ty came back in and he had enough in the tank, and it was spectacular," coach Rick Carlisle said.
Between the lines: The rest of the team has just as much to prove. Indiana went from the 2025 NBA Finals to a 19-63 record without Haliburton.
- Pascal Siakam scored 30 points Wednesday, while Obi Toppin added 20, Andrew Nembhard had 18 and center Ivica Zubac contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds.
- The mix of a familiar core and new pieces gives Indiana a strong foundation, but chemistry and defense remain key tests.
The big picture: The Pacers have their floor general back, but a return to the upper tier of the Eastern Conference is no sure thing.
- The conference has reloaded with Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Cleveland and Detroit among the teams expected to contend.
- In CBS Sports' expert standings picks published Monday, the Pacers landed anywhere from third to eighth, depending on the analyst. Yahoo Sports' outlook projected Indiana to sneak into the playoffs at No. 8, pointing to the defense as a lingering concern.
- Health, Haliburton's ability to sustain his workload and how Indiana's revamped roster fits together will shape its ceiling.
If you go: Pacers vs. Mavericks tips off at 7pm.
- Tickets start at around $100.
How to watch: WTTV CBS4 locally and DAZN streaming.
- Listen on 93.5/107.5 The Fan.