Tyrese Haliburton to make regular-season return as Pacers face Pelicans

Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will play his first official game in 486 days on Wednesday. The Pacers travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans in the regular-season opener for both teams. Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Without Haliburton, Indiana finished 19-63 last season, while the Pelicans recorded a 26-56 mark. Both squads are dealing with minor health updates heading into the opener. Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith returned to practice following a hamstring issue, while Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is expected to play after managing a right toe contusion.