There’s growing anticipation around the NBA for the return of Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. He initially sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on January 8. He briefly returned in Pascal Siakam’s first game with the team in Portland on January 19, only to miss the next four games due to the same injury.
Haliburton told reporters he plans to see how he feels on Tuesday morning before determining if he can return to the lineup, but the goal is to play against the Boston Celtics. This follows his absence in 10 of the Pacers’ last 11 games.
”The plan is to play tomorrow for me to see how I feel in the morning when I wake up, and that’ll kind of dictate that answer,” Haliburton said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
Haliburton says he feels “ready to go” and praised the Pacers’ medical staff for helping prepare him to return to the lineup after dealing with his injury.
“I feel good. I’m ready to go,” Haliburton said. “I think that the medical staff has done a good job preparing me to get back, and hopefully, I’m ready to go tomorrow.”
Having an impressive season, Haliburton was chosen as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Stars. He has averaged 23.6 points and leads the league with 12.6 assists per game. Despite his absence, the Pacers have maintained their form, winning their last three games. They hold sixth position in the Eastern Conference with a 27-20 record.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
Haliburton has personal stakes to return to the lineup as soon as possible. For any player to be eligible for postseason awards — including an All-NBA Team nomination — there is a requirement to appear in at least 65 games for at least 20 minutes. He played 13:29 against the Celtics on January 8 while outright missing 13 games — meaning he can only miss three more games before being ruled ineligible.
For Haliburton to qualify to earn his full five-year, $260 million max contract extension he signed on July 6, he must earn a spot on any All-NBA Team. Otherwise, his deal will remain at a total of $206 million until he manages to qualify for the supermax deal.
