Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Plays First 5-on-5 Game Since Achilles Tear

Former Iowa State star shares promising recovery milestone after June 2025 injury during NBA Finals

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball player's movement and recovery process, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in muted earth tones.A cubist interpretation of Tyrese Haliburton's long road to recovery from a devastating Achilles injury, with the player's determination and perseverance reflected in the fragmented, geometric composition.Oklahoma City Today

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA Finals, recently played his first 5-on-5 basketball game since the injury. Haliburton shared the milestone on his social media, noting it was his first time playing full-court basketball in nearly a year since the devastating injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

Haliburton's recovery progress is a positive sign for the Pacers, who have struggled mightily this season with an 18-61 record in his absence. The 26-year-old point guard was a rising star before the injury, making the All-Star team in 2025, and his return could provide a much-needed boost for the franchise.

The details

Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon just over seven minutes into Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury kept him out for the entire 2025-26 season, during which the Pacers have the second-worst record in the NBA. In his recovery, Haliburton has focused on getting stronger, noting he's about 30 pounds heavier than he was at the time of the injury. He did face a setback in February when he was diagnosed with shingles, but his recent 5-on-5 game suggests he is trending in the right direction.

  • Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in June 2025 during Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
  • He played his first 5-on-5 game on April 8, 2026.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

A 26-year-old guard for the Indiana Pacers who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA Finals, keeping him out for the entire 2025-26 season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The team that defeated Haliburton's Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals, the game in which Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury.

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What they’re saying

“Played 5 on 5 today for first time since June🙏🏽🙏🏽”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Guard

What’s next

The Pacers will continue to monitor Haliburton's progress as he works his way back from the Achilles injury. If he can make a full recovery, his return could provide a much-needed boost for the struggling franchise next season.

The takeaway

Tyrese Haliburton's recovery from a devastating Achilles tear suffered during the 2025 NBA Finals is a promising sign for the Indiana Pacers, who have struggled mightily in his absence this season. His ability to return to 5-on-5 basketball after nearly a year of rehabilitation suggests he is on track to potentially rejoin the team next season and help turn around their fortunes.