Why Tyrese Haliburton is returning to the Pacers at Iowa State

The Indiana Pacers will travel to Ames, Iowa, for a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, marking a unique opportunity for several reasons. One of those reasons is that Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s star player, played at Iowa State from 2018 to 2020. Haliburton, who is also from Des Moines, which is less than 40 miles south of Ames, expressed his excitement about the idea, stating it was his suggestion to general manager Chad Buchanan.

Coach Rick Carlisle originally planned to play this game in 2025, but Haliburton’s Achilles injury in 2025 led to a change in schedule, and the Pacers opted for the game in Iowa instead. Haliburton hopes to play at least the entire first half of the game, which will be his first chance to face a new team since his early 2020s college career.

The Timberwolves began their preseason with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks, and their five starters played only in the first half of that 116-97 victory. Carlisle anticipates a challenge from the Timberwolves, a team with similar championship expectations as the Pacers and star point guard LaMelo Ball. Haliburton expressed his enthusiasm about playing against a quality team like the Timberwolves, acknowledging that they are expected to be a strong team in the league.