Indiana Pacers veteran Tyrese Haliburton will make his first regular‑season appearance since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, and the league has placed him on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans. The move has the Pacers point guard questioning the NBA’s respect for injured stars and small‑market teams.
Why the schedule feels disrespectful
Haliburton told the Numbers on the Board podcast that he expected a home game or a national broadcast for his comeback, noting that players like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry received special treatment after long injuries. He said, “When I saw the schedule, I was like, ‘oh, wow,’ not to… Shout out Trey Murphy III, love my boy, Trey. Love New Orleans. I was shocked to see that, but we moved on.” The point guard sees the Pelicans road game as a signal that the league undervalues both his return and the Indiana market.
How the Pacers compare to other teams
Indiana is one of the NBA’s smallest markets, and its national exposure often trails that of the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, or Boston Celtics. Those clubs are slated for multiple opening‑night broadcasts, while the Pacers must wait for a second‑game home matchup against the Dallas Mavericks to celebrate Haliburton’s return. The first national appearance for Indiana this season is set for a later October game versus LeBron James and the 76ers.
Recent performance puts pressure on the schedule
The Pacers entered the offseason after a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, falling 94‑105 on April 10 2026. Their recent form reads 1W‑0D‑3L, with the most recent result a defeat, underscoring the urgency for Haliburton to make an immediate impact. A strong debut could shift the narrative and give Indiana a boost heading into a tight Eastern Conference race.
What’s next for Haliburton and Indiana?
After the New Orleans road test, the Pacers will host Dallas, offering Haliburton his first home crowd. If he can deliver points, assists, and defensive intensity, the league may reconsider its scheduling approach for small‑market stars. Meanwhile, fans will watch closely to see whether the opening night disappointment fuels a deeper run in the playoffs.
The debate over schedule fairness is unlikely to fade until the Pacers prove they belong on national TV. Haliburton’s performance against New Orleans could become the catalyst that forces the NBA to rethink how it showcases injured superstars returning to the court.
