The Indiana Pacers opened an important chapter of their preseason with a 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
The biggest storyline from the Timberwolves vs Pacers matchup was the return of Tyrese Haliburton, who stepped onto an NBA court for the first time in 472 days. The Pacers guard made his comeback after recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Tyrese Haliburton Makes His Pacers Return
Haliburton’s return was the headline story of the Pacers vs Timberwolves preseason matchup. The 26-year-old guard played 16 minutes and finished with seven points, six assists, one steal and two blocks.
The performance was particularly meaningful because the game was played at Hilton Coliseum, where Haliburton previously starred for Iowa State for two seasons.
Rather than focusing solely on his numbers, Haliburton emphasized how grateful he was simply to be back on the court.
“For me, just to be back on the floor is everything,” Haliburton said after the game.
His return provides the Pacers with a major boost as Indiana looks ahead to the regular season.
Pacers Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 123-112
The wolves vs pacers matchup ended with Indiana earning a 123-112 victory over Minnesota. Haliburton’s return added an extra layer of significance to what otherwise would have been another preseason game.
For the Indiana Pacers, the priority was getting Haliburton back into game action while continuing to build chemistry with the rest of the rotation.
The Minnesota Timberwolves provided the opposition in Haliburton’s long-awaited comeback, but Indiana ultimately came away with the 11-point win.
What Haliburton’s Return Means for the Pacers
Haliburton’s availability could dramatically change the outlook for the Pacers after a difficult previous season. Indiana won only 19 games last season and finished with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Now healthy and back on the court, Haliburton is expected to help lead a much more competitive Pacers team.
Indiana’s projected core includes Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Ivica Zubac, Andrew Nembhard, Kelly Oubre Jr., Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin.
That group gives the Pacers plenty of talent around their star guard as they prepare for the new season.
Pacers Schedule: What’s Next?
Following the Timberwolves vs Pacers game, Indiana’s preseason schedule continues Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. The team will use the remaining preseason games to evaluate its rotation and gradually build Haliburton back into a regular workload.
Fans searching for the latest Pacers schedule will be watching closely to see how Haliburton’s minutes develop as the regular season approaches.
Timberwolves vs Pacers Where to Watch
Fans looking for Timberwolves vs Pacers where to watch information should check their local NBA broadcast listings and official streaming options for each scheduled matchup. The specific availability can vary depending on the game and market.
The preseason meeting in Ames was an especially notable game because it marked Haliburton’s first appearance since his lengthy recovery.
What About Braden Smith?
Braden Smith is another name Pacers fans may encounter while following Indiana’s backcourt and preseason developments. However, the supplied source does not provide specific statistics or a game update for Smith from this Timberwolves matchup.
For that reason, the main storyline from the game remains Haliburton’s return and Indiana’s 123-112 victory.
Pacers Enter a New Chapter
The Pacers have plenty to prove after last season’s struggles, but Haliburton’s return offers a reason for optimism. His first game back was not about putting up huge numbers; it was about getting comfortable on the court again and beginning the next stage of his recovery.
With the Indiana Pacers preparing for the regular season, Haliburton’s health will be one of the biggest factors to monitor. His seven points and six assists against the Timberwolves were only a starting point.
For Indiana, the most important statistic may simply be that its All-Star guard is playing basketball again.
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