Report: Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Eyes Return Date

It's been tough sledding for the Indiana Pacers since their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with knee and elbow injuries in the same game on Jan. 11th. They've gone 1-9 without their floor leader, and have fallen to 11th spot in the Eastern Conference. 

But good news is on the way, as Haliburton and the team have set a goal for him to return to the lineup this coming weekend. 

Rick Carlisle says on pre-game show that Tyrese Haliburton hopes to practice Tuesday and Wednesday with "the aim to play this weekend." Pacers play Lakers Thursday, Kings Friday, Cavs Sunday all at home.

— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 29, 2023

Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star noted that head coach Rick Carlisle says that Haliburton hopes to practice Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The Pacers have a very light week, and don't play again until Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is home all week, thus the ability to hold practices. Haliburton could perhaps return on Friday against the Sacramento Kings or Sunday vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 22-year-old is trending towards his first All-Star selection, when the reserves are announced this Thursday, as chosen by league coaches. The 3rd-year player is averaging an NBA-best 10.2 assists along with 20.2 points while shooting 40% from three-point range. Certainly an All-Star caliber season, and one that's made  Wally Szczerbiak look sillier and sillier by the day. 

Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports