Tyrese Haliburton has expressed frustration with the Indiana Pacers’ opening game of the 2026-27 season, questioning why his return will not take place at home or on national television.

Speaking on the Numbers On The Board Podcast, Haliburton argued that a player of his stature returning after a lengthy Achilles recovery would normally receive more attention from the league.

“Name any other person you compare to my level of a basketball player,” Haliburton said.

“If they tore their Achilles and missed 16 months, do you think they’d be on national television? Do you think that game would be at home, if not on national television? When I saw the schedule, I said, ‘Oh, wow!’ I was shocked, but we move on.”

Indiana will begin its season on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans, meaning Haliburton’s anticipated return will come away from Pacers fans.

The scheduling decision has also disappointed the Pacers, particularly after the franchise reached the NBA Finals in 2025.

Indiana expected to receive more prominent treatment following its recent success, but the team will instead open the new campaign away from the national spotlight.

Tyrese Haliburton Not Happy With Pacers Opening Night Schedule https://t.co/prsZfNxu6g