Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has publicly complained about the television coverage for the team's upcoming 2026-27 NBA season opener. The All-NBA guard expressed surprise that the October 21 road game against the New Orleans Pelicans will only have normal, local TV coverage, limiting its national audience. Haliburton is set to return after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers are coming off a difficult stretch, having lost their last four games and posting a 1-4 record in their final five contests of the previous season, including a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026.
Why is Tyrese Haliburton frustrated?
Haliburton's frustration stems from what he perceives as a lack of recognition for the Pacers and his own comeback story. He understands the team isn't raising a championship banner or introducing a major free agent signing for the opener. But he is an All-NBA player, an Olympian, and a key figure in the Pacers' recent run to the Finals. He made what he called "some crazy shots" during that playoff journey. The guard feels the moment of his return from a devastating injury deserves a bigger spotlight than just local broadcast channels. He went down with the Achilles injury at the worst possible time, in the final game of the 2025 Finals.
What is the context of Haliburton's return?
Haliburton's return is the main storyline for the Pacers entering the new season. His absence was a primary reason for the team's struggles last year, which resulted in only 19 wins. The injury occurred during the most important game of his career, halting the Pacers' championship bid. His rehabilitation has taken over a full year. Now, he's more than ready to get back on the court and lead Indiana again. The team's recent form, detailed on our [stats](/stats) page, shows how much they struggled without him, losing four consecutive games to end the previous campaign.
How does this affect the Pacers' season outlook?
Haliburton's health and performance are directly tied to Indiana's playoff hopes. He is the engine of their offense, a premier passer and scorer. His public comments about the opener's coverage reveal a player eager to prove himself and his team on a big stage. The limited TV schedule for the first game might actually add motivation. The Pacers will rely on him to improve their offensive rating and assist numbers immediately. You can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page throughout the season.
What did the Pacers do without Haliburton last season?
The 2025-26 season was a long one for Indiana without their floor general. They managed just 19 victories, a sharp decline from their Finals appearance the year before. The team lacked his playmaking and leadership on the court. Other players had to step into larger roles, which provided some development opportunities but couldn't compensate for the loss of an All-NBA talent. The final result of that season, a 121-133 defeat to Detroit, highlighted the defensive challenges they faced. It cemented a tough five-game stretch where they lost four times.
What's next for Indiana after the opener?
After the season opener in New Orleans, the Pacers' schedule continues with a full 82-game slate. Haliburton's integration back into the lineup will be the top priority for head coach Rick Carlisle. The team's performance will be closely watched to see if they can return to the competitive level they showed during their Finals run. Every game, starting with that October 21 contest against the Pelicans, will be a step in that process. The Pacers' roster health, including any updates on our [injuries](/injuries) page, will be critical to their success. Haliburton has made it clear he believes this team and his comeback are worth watching.
