Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton expressed surprise and disappointment upon discovering that his highly anticipated return to the court following a torn Achilles tendon would not be featured on national television. The NBA released its regular-season schedule last week, and Haliburton's first game back was notably absent from national broadcast slots.

Haliburton, who has emerged as one of the league's brightest young stars, stated he was "shocked" by the decision. The Pacers' opener is scheduled for October 23rd against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the game will be broadcast locally, its exclusion from national networks like ESPN or TNT has raised eyebrows, especially given Haliburton's growing prominence and the potential interest in his comeback.

The decision to not place the game on a national broadcast may reflect the NBA's scheduling priorities, which often consider factors such as marquee matchups, star power, and overall market appeal. However, for Haliburton and Pacers fans, it represents a missed opportunity to showcase a significant moment in the player's career and the team's season to a wider audience.