Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has returned to full-contact work just over seven months after tearing his right Achilles tendon, he said during a recent appearance on LeBron James’ “Mind The Game” podcast. The 24-year-old has begun playing three-on-three and four-on-four scrimmages with player-development interns and assistant coach Jannero Pargo.
“I feel really good,” Haliburton said. “I can play in an NBA game right now.” He added that test runs against teammates such as Kam Jones, Ethan Thompson and Bennedict Mathurin showed he still needs time to regain full speed. Indiana ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 campaign, but his current progress points to a possible return for training camp and the 2026-27 season. The Pacers are 12-36 this year.
Pacers leave roster spot open
Center Tony Bradley’s second 10-day contract expired overnight, reopening a spot on Indiana’s 15-man roster. According to Circle City Spin’s Tony East, the club is unlikely to sign Bradley for the rest of the season immediately and instead intends to keep the vacancy available through the upcoming trade deadline.
Bulls injury and trade chatter
Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins, sidelined since Dec. 27 with a toe injury, remains in a walking boot and will be reevaluated in two weeks, head coach Billy Donovan told reporters.
Meanwhile, guard Coby White said he is taking frequent trade rumors in stride. “It’s good to be wanted,” White told the Chicago Tribune. “I got drafted here, so I want the organization to succeed. Whatever they decide, I hope it works out.”
Cleveland’s raised court questioned again
The raised playing surface at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse drew more criticism Wednesday after Luka Doncic slipped off the sideline and hurt his lower left leg. Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick called the design “absolutely a safety hazard,” echoing concerns first voiced in 2023 when Miami’s Dru Smith sustained a season-ending ACL injury on the same floor.
Source: Hoops Rumors
