The Indiana Pacers' 2025-26 season has been a rollercoaster, and the latest twist involves their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Already sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles, Haliburton has now been diagnosed with shingles, adding another layer to the team's challenging year.
Shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox, isn't life-threatening but can be quite uncomfortable. Coach Rick Carlisle shared that Haliburton experienced symptoms while traveling and is now focused on recovery. Carlisle expressed confidence in Haliburton’s resilience and positive outlook, emphasizing that he will make a full recovery.
The Pacers recently fell to the Dallas Mavericks in a high-scoring affair, dropping their record to 15-43. Just last year, they were on the brink of an NBA title, losing Game 7 of the Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, they're eyeing a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, navigating a season fraught with injuries.
The injury bug bit hard and often this season. Haliburton’s Achilles injury in the Finals was a devastating blow, and the Pacers have been battling to stay competitive ever since.
Despite their record, they’ve shown fight, with numerous close losses rather than blowouts. Their struggles aren't due to tanking but rather a relentless series of injuries.
Key players like Jay Huff have been constants, but others, including Jarace Walker and Pascal Siakam, have missed significant time. The Pacers have used 25 different players, with their most-used lineup barely sharing the court.
Notable injuries have included T.J. McConnell’s hamstring, Andrew Nembhard’s shoulder, and Obi Toppin’s ongoing foot issue. The list goes on, with players like Johnny Furphy suffering a season-ending ACL tear and Ivica Zubac yet to debut due to an ankle injury.
The Pacers' draft pick situation adds another twist. After reacquiring their 2026 first-round pick last year, its value skyrocketed following Haliburton’s injury. The Pacers traded it to the Clippers with protections, creating a complex scenario where they could keep the pick if it lands in specific spots.
Currently, the Pacers are strategically positioned for the draft lottery. They’re in a tight race with the Kings, Nets, Pelicans, Wizards, and Jazz for the bottom spots, which would enhance their chances of landing a top-four pick.
As the season winds down, the Pacers are embracing their position, hoping for favorable lottery odds to set the stage for a brighter future. The journey has been unpredictable, but with resilience and a bit of luck, they could soon turn the corner.