BREAKING: Tyrese Haliburton Suffers Devastating Achilles Injury—Surgery Scheduled for Later Today
Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, the team confirmed today following an MRI conducted earlier this morning. The injury occurred during Friday night’s high-intensity matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game that saw Haliburton exit suddenly in the second quarter after collapsing on a fast break.
The 24-year-old point guard was helped off the court without putting weight on his right leg, sending shockwaves through the basketball world. Fans and teammates held their breath as Haliburton underwent initial evaluation, but today’s MRI confirmed the worst: a full tear of the right Achilles tendon.
Surgery is planned for later today, according to team medical officials. The rehabilitation timeline for an Achilles injury typically ranges between 9 to 12 months, which means Haliburton will likely miss the entire 2025–26 NBA season. The news is a brutal blow to the Pacers’ long-term vision, as Haliburton had recently signed a $91 million contract extension and was viewed as the face of the franchise.
“This is heartbreaking,” said head coach Rick Carlisle. “Tyrese is the heart and soul of this team. We know how hard he works and how much this team means to him. We’ll support him every step of the way through recovery.”
Haliburton was enjoying a career season, averaging 21.8 points, 11.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, while leading Indiana to one of their best starts in recent memory. His leadership on and off the court has been widely praised.
Messages of support have flooded social media from fellow NBA players, analysts, and fans across the league. “Prayers up for Tyrese. He’s a warrior,” wrote Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Pacers will now look to regroup as they face the rest of the season without their floor general.