Is Tyrese Haliburton playing vs Thunder in Pacers preseason game? The latest on his injury status

Tyrese Haliburton will take to the court for the Indiana Pacers in their third preseason matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The star guard had to sit out the team's opening game against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday following a minor ankle injury sustained during the season's inaugural contest in Ames, Iowa. Haliburton has returned to Oklahoma City for the first time since rupturing his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder on June 22, 2025.

The Thunder emerged victorious that night, defeating the Pacers 103-91, and preventing the Pacers from claiming their first NBA championship. Haliburton's absence plagued the franchise throughout the 2025-26 season, culminating in a 19-63 record. Despite being present for most of the Pacers' road games last season, he skipped the team's January road outing in Oklahoma City.

NBA on Prime commentator Taylor Rooks revealed that she had spoken with Haliburton ahead of that game, and he expressed his reluctance to return, stating, "It's something I still think about for sure." He emphasized that he would prefer to face the Thunder when he is fully prepared to compete and enjoy the game rather than focus on the spot where he suffered his injury.

Haliburton is poised to make his official preseason debut when the Pacers kick off their new season on October 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. The Pacers will then host the Dallas Mavericks at home on October 23. Coverage of the Pacers' preseason schedule is provided by Dustin Dopirak for IndyStarTV and the Pacers Insider newsletter.