Tyrese Haliburton 'Shocked' as Pacers Opener vs. Pelicans Misses National TV

Tyrese Haliburton will return from a torn Achilles on Oct. 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans, a matchup notably absent from the NBA's national broadcast slate.

Tyrese Haliburton will officially step back onto an NBA court on Oct. 21 when the Indiana Pacers travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans. This contest represents the point guard’s first competitive action in 16 months, following a devastating torn Achilles tendon sustained during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Despite the gravity of this comeback, the league’s national television schedule, unveiled on Aug. 15, 2026, completely omitted the matchup from its broadcast rotation. The 26-year-old playmaker sat out the entire 2025-26 campaign to ensure a full recovery, yet his re-entry into professional play will occur without the spotlight of a major network.

Key details

Instead of showcasing the All-Star’s return, the NBA’s opening night national double-header features the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers. Haliburton voiced his frustration during a recent guest spot on the "Numbers on the Board" podcast, admitting he was stunned by the lack of coverage. He pointed out that a 16-month hiatus for a player of his status usually warrants a televised event, especially considering the high stakes of his last appearance on the floor. The Pacers star noted that he expected his first game back to be a home fixture in Indianapolis rather than a road game in Louisiana.

The scheduling decision means Indiana fans must wait until Oct. 28 to see their franchise cornerstone on a national stage. On that date, the Pacers host the Philadelphia 76ers in a game slated for broadcast. Before reaching that milestone, the team must navigate their season opener in New Orleans and a home debut against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 23. The absence of the Pelicans game from the national slate surprised many analysts who anticipated the league would capitalize on the human-interest story of an elite athlete overcoming a career-threatening injury.

Latest developments

Haliburton’s injury occurred at the most critical juncture of the 2024-25 season, leaving the Pacers without their primary facilitator for over a year. The rehabilitation process was grueling, involving daily physical therapy and a gradual return to basketball activities that spanned three different calendar years. By the time the Oct. 21 tip-off arrives, the exact duration of his absence will have reached 485 days. The point guard remarked that while he was shocked to see the schedule, he remains focused on the performance rather than the platform, acknowledging that the team will simply have to prove their worth on the court.

The Indiana organization enters this new season with high expectations now that their leader is healthy. The 2025 Finals run proved the roster’s potential, and the return of a healthy Haliburton is viewed as the final piece for another deep postseason push. However, the lack of early-season national exposure suggests the league office is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the guard’s explosiveness and form. The Oct. 21 road game will serve as the ultimate litmus test for his surgically repaired tendon, even if the majority of the country will only see the highlights after the final buzzer sounds.

Statistically, Haliburton was at the peak of his powers before the Achilles rupture, leading the league in assists and propelling Indiana to its first Finals appearance in decades. His absence throughout the 2025-26 season saw the Pacers struggle to maintain offensive efficiency, highlighting his value to the system. The Oct. 21 date in New Orleans is not just a game; it is the conclusion of a 16-month odyssey that began in the closing minutes of a championship-deciding match. While the cameras of TNT or ESPN will be elsewhere, the significance of the moment remains the primary storyline for the Indiana franchise as they begin their 82-game journey.