Tag: Indiana Pacers

Pacers Hand Carlisle New Deal After NBA Finals Run

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.

Haliburton Opens Up on Achilles Injury and Recovery

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 Re-Signs with Pacers on 3-Year, $21M Deal

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.

Haliburton Suffers Torn Achilles in Game 7, Out Indefinitely

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.

Thunder Collapse in Game 6, Pacers Force Decisive Game 7

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.

Haliburton Cleared for Game 6 Despite Calf Strain

Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025

Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals despite suffering a right calf strain in Game 5. The Pacers face elimination, trailing 3-2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Haliburton passed a team strength test just hours before tip-off and showed no major limitations. After intensive treatments all week, he will be monitored closely without a strict minutes cap as Indiana aims to force Game 7.

Haliburton Suffers Calf Strain, Vows to Play Game 6

Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025

Tyrese Haliburton aggravated a strained right calf in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity, but says he intends to play in Game 6.
Haliburton returned with his calf wrapped and played 34 minutes but failed to score a field goal, finishing with just 4 points. Despite ankle and calf issues, he insists he’ll fight through for the elimination game.

Carlisle Defends Ref Foster After Game 4 Scrutiny

Scott Foster, Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle strongly defended referee Scott Foster following criticism of his officiating in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, calling the scrutiny “unfair and stupid.”
Despite 71 free throws and 53 fouls in a physical matchup, Carlisle praised Foster’s professionalism. A controversial no-call involving MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander late in the game fueled fan outrage as OKC tied the series 2-2.

Underdog Pacers Draw Heavy Public Betting vs Thunder

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
June 6, 2025

The Pacers enter the NBA Finals as 5-1 underdogs to the Thunder, matching the longest odds for a finalist in 20 years. Despite the mismatch, most small bettors are backing Indiana, hoping for a major upset.
While 78–94% of bets favor the Pacers, 90% of the total money is on OKC. Thunder are 9.5-point Game 1 favorites and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads MVP odds at -550, ahead of Haliburton at +700.

Walker Injury Clouds Pacers’ NBA Finals Plans

Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers)
June 1, 2024 (Game 6 vs. Knicks)

Jarace Walker left Game 6 on crutches with a right ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the NBA Finals. The 2023 No. 8 pick exited after playing just seven minutes and scoring two points.
Walker was hurt early in the fourth quarter while defending a drive. His leg bent awkwardly and he collapsed, needing two trainers to help him off. Coach Rick Carlisle remains uncertain if the rookie can recover in four days.

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