What happened: Tyrese Haliburton said he is ready to go ahead of his return to regular-season action. The scheduled return follows 486 days since his Achilles injury. Indiana faces New Orleans at 8 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass.

Why it matters: The absence covered more than a full calendar cycle, making availability the central roster question entering the night. Indiana opens the 2026-27 regular season needing its primary playmaker back in the rotation. New Orleans opens against a Pacers group reset around his return.

What to watch: Watch his minutes and back-to-back availability as the schedule unfolds. Indiana's rotation order will clarify with him active.