Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Gradually Returns from Injury Amid Contract Stakes

Haliburton's Minutes Restriction Could Impact His Eligibility for All-NBA Team and Upcoming Contract

Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers All-Star point guard, is gradually returning from a hamstring injury, playing 22 minutes in the Pacers' 129-124 loss to the Celtics.
Haliburton and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that Haliburton is on a minutes restriction, which will likely continue for the rest of the week.
Haliburton needs to clear the 65-game threshold to make the All-NBA team, which would allow his upcoming five-year contract to pay him 30% of the salary cap as opposed to 25%.
Haliburton's availability alongside newly acquired All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam will be pivotal to the franchise’s trajectory.
Haliburton has played in 34 of Indiana’s first 47 games, but must play at least 20 minutes in 32 of the Pacers’ final 35 regular-season games to remain eligible for an All-NBA selection.