Tyrese Haliburton Plays 5-on-5 for First Time Since Achilles Injury

Tyrese Haliburton posted three words and two prayer emojis on social media: "Played 5 on 5 today for first time since June." For Pacers fans, that is the best news they have heard all season.

Haliburton's Achilles injury robbed Indiana of their engine — the player who made them one of the most exciting teams in the league. While the Pacers have struggled without him, this milestone means the 25-year-old point guard is on track for a full recovery. Five-on-five is the final hurdle before return-to-play protocols.

The Pacers are not making the playoffs this year. But Haliburton playing 5-on-5 means Indiana's future is intact. A healthy Haliburton changes everything about the Pacers' ceiling next season, and for a fanbase that has been holding its breath for 10 months, they can finally exhale.