Haliburton Gets Dissed? Pacers Star Shocked Comeback Game Isn't on National TV

Tyrese Haliburton has been waiting 16 long months to step back on an NBA floor. The guy tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, grinded through a lost 2025-26 season, and is finally ready to make his triumphant return. So when the league dropped the schedule and his comeback game wasn't on national TV? Yeah, he wasn't exactly thrilled.

“I was shocked,” Haliburton said on the Numbers on The Board podcast. “Name any other person that you compare to my level of a basketball player, wherever you have me ranked, if they tore their Achilles and missed 16 months, do you think that [first game back] would be on national TV?”

The Snub

Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers will tip off the regular season on Oct. 21 — on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans. Not exactly a marquee matchup. No ESPN. No TNT. No league pass special treatment.

“Do you think that game would be at home if not on national television? Do you think that game would be at New Orleans?” Haliburton fired off. “When I saw the schedule I was like, 'Oh, wow.' I was shocked to see that. But we move on.”

What The League Chose Instead

Meanwhile, the two nationally televised games that night? Timberwolves at Heat and Warriors at Lakers. Big markets. Big stars. But apparently no room for one of the league's most electric playmakers making a comeback from one of the most devastating injuries in sports.

When We Finally See Him On Primetime

Pacers fans won't have to wait too long to see their guy in Indy. The home opener is Oct. 23 vs. the Dallas Mavericks, and Haliburton's first national TV appearance comes Oct. 28 when the Philadelphia 76ers visit Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

So yeah, the league made a choice. Haliburton noticed. And you better believe he's going to make them regret it.