Tyrese Haliburton Back in Five on Five After Achilles

Merlin sees Tyrese Haliburton taking a clear step forward in his Achilles comeback. The Indiana star, hurt in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, says he “just started playing like three-on-three and four-on-four full-court,” and he just completed his first five-on-five since the injury. Indiana’s 18-61 slide makes his return essential if the Pacers want to turn a high draft pick into a contender. Merlin remembers Haliburton as an All-NBA Third-Team catalyst who carried Indiana to the Finals. Recovery is more than minutes on the court; it is about timing, confidence, and late-game poise. The progress is promising, but Merlin warns that form, not just health, will decide whether the Pacers rise quickly or need more time.