Indiana Pacers (NBA)
October 2025
Gainbridge Fieldhouse unveiled an East banner and celebrated matriarch Nancy Leonard as Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) watched courtside. Rick Carlisle leans on depth, pace, and defense while Andrew Nembhard’s shoulder scare stresses the backcourt. The mandate: preserve spacing, reduce turnovers, and survive early absences to maintain postseason aspirations in a deeper East.
T.J. McConnell (Indiana Pacers)
October 2025
McConnell will be out for at least a month after suffering a hamstring injury in Indiana’s first preseason game. The 33-year-old guard averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists last season, playing a pivotal role in the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals.
Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the injury “wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been” but requires rest. To reinforce depth, Indiana signed veteran guard Cameron Payne to a training camp deal while waiving Delon Wright, who also picked up a knock in preseason.
Monte Morris (Indiana Pacers)
September 2025
Indiana have signed veteran guard Monte Morris on a one-year Exhibit 9 contract, providing depth behind Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell. The 30-year-old averaged 5.2 points in Phoenix last season and brings steadiness as the Pacers adjust without Tyrese Haliburton. The deal protects Indiana financially if Morris is waived while offering him a shot to prove his value. With Haliburton sidelined, Morris adds experience to a backcourt rotation already featuring Bennedict Mathurin and Ben Sheppard as Indiana push to stay competitive in the East.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
August 2025
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton appeared at his youth camp, walking in a boot two months into Achilles rehab. He engaged with kids, smiled, and shared small recovery milestones, highlighting the long journey ahead. Injured during the NBA Finals, Haliburton is pacing recovery with support from Caitlin Clark and teammates. He praised fan letters and peer advice, stressing patience while aiming for a full comeback after surgery ruled him out for next season.
Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
August 2025
The Indiana Pacers extended coach Rick Carlisle’s contract after he guided them to their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. Carlisle’s leadership since returning in 2021 has included consecutive Eastern Conference Finals and cemented his place as the franchise’s winningest coach. Carlisle adapted his style to a faster, aggressive system, turning Indiana into a contender. Despite losing Game 7 of the Finals after Haliburton’s Achilles injury, Carlisle’s track record and community role ensured the extension. He now sits seven wins shy of 1,000 career victories.
Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
August 2025
The Indiana Pacers extended coach Rick Carlisle’s contract after guiding the team to their first NBA Finals in 25 years. Carlisle, already the franchise’s all-time winningest coach, remains rejuvenated in his second stint and now chases 1,000 career coaching victories. Carlisle reshaped Indiana’s style into a faster, aggressive unit, leading to consecutive Eastern Conference finals and last season’s Finals appearance. Though Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury cost them a title shot, management praised Carlisle’s leadership, community work, and resilience in driving the Pacers’ long-term vision.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
July 2025
Tyrese Haliburton believes there’s no clear cause behind the NBA’s rise in Achilles injuries, calling it “just bad luck.” The Pacers star suffered his own tear in Game 7 of the Finals, despite feeling fully fit after passing stress tests post-calf strain.
Now ruled out for 2025–26, Haliburton plans to grow his basketball IQ by sitting in on Pacers coaches’ meetings and aiding teammates from the bench. He’s spoken with Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum—both Achilles victims—and aims to return stronger in 2026–27.
Isaiah Jackson (Indiana Pacers)
July 2025
Free agent center Isaiah Jackson has agreed to a three-year, $21 million contract to return to the Indiana Pacers, adding frontcourt depth after the offseason exit of longtime starter Myles Turner.
Jackson missed most of last season with an Achilles tear but impressed in 2023–24 with solid rim protection and rebounding. Indiana is investing in his development alongside Wiseman and Jay Huff.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025
Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City and is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, pending recovery after surgery.
Haliburton collapsed without contact while driving, just days after playing through a calf strain. The injury overshadowed Indiana’s title hopes and ended a legendary postseason run, where he set franchise assist records and hit multiple clutch game-winners.
Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers
June 2025
The Thunder missed their chance to clinch the NBA title, falling 108–91 to the Pacers in Game 6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander committed 8 turnovers as OKC now faces a winner-takes-all Game 7.
Gilgeous-Alexander admitted the team lacked focus and effort, tying an NBA Finals turnover record. OKC shot just 38.2% and went 3-of-20 from three before benching starters for the fourth. Jalen Williams posted a Finals-worst minus-40 in 27 minutes.