Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton unlikely to return before two-week injury update

The Pacers have some clarity on Tyrese Haliburton’s latest injury. They’ll still have to wait to get their offense’s organizer back.

Coach Rick Carlisle described Haliburton as week-to-week with a “mild left hamstring strain” before Wednesday’s game against the Sixers, according to Alex Golden of Pacers On SI.

Carlisle plans to provide another update in two weeks and doesn’t “think it’s realistic that he would play before that.”

The mild designation is encouraging. That doesn’t mean Indiana intends to rush through the recovery, particularly with Haliburton just four games into his return from a torn Achilles.

There’s also history with this hamstring. Haliburton dealt with a left hamstring injury during the 2023-24 season and again in the 2024 Eastern Conference finals, when he missed the remainder of the series.

RELATED | Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton sidelined again after promising return

The more encouraging backcourt update involves T.J. McConnell. Carlisle said the veteran is progressing through testing and nearing a return, though no firm date has been established.

Ben Sheppard faces a much longer absence. His meniscus surgery required a full repair, changing his expected recovery from weeks to months, per Golden.

Andrew Nembhard was cleared to play Wednesday after being listed as questionable with neck soreness. Quenton Jackson and Braden Smith are the backup point guard options while Haliburton and McConnell recover.

That leaves Nembhard with plenty to organize. Getting McConnell back would ease the burden, but Indiana’s preferred backcourt arrangement will have to wait a little longer.