SportsOrbit

The NBA Finals are knotted 1-1 as the series moves to Indianapolis for Game 3. While the Pacers lost Game 2, they were able to turn home court into an advantage by defeating the Thunder in Game 1. Tyrese Haliburton, one of the playoffs’ biggest talents, hit the game-winning shot. Regular-season play (2024-25). Normally an excellent scorer, Haliburton began the regular season slowly, shooting 40.5% from the field in his first 21 games. However, a 30-point performance against the Raptors in December, when he went 10-for-16 from the field, helped turn his season around. Since that game, he has shot 50.2% from the field. Haliburton concluded the season averaging 18.6 points and 3.0 three-pointers per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc. He has never shot less than 47.2% from the field in a season in his career. His scoring average was down slightly, since he had scored at least 20.1 points in each of the previous two seasons. Haliburton’s usage rate fell from 24.6% two seasons ago to 21.6% this season as he played alongside Pascal Siakam for the first time. Siakam is also a terrific distributor, which helped Haliburton average 9.2 assists per game despite having less time with the ball. While that is still a great total, Haliburton had averaged at least 10.4 assists in each of the previous two seasons. A playoff run to remember Haliburton has made several critical shots in the playoffs, including the game-winner in Game 1 against the Thunder. His playoff statistics largely mimic his regular-season performance, with an average of 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 3-pointers in 18 playoff games. He has shot 46.9% from the field but has struggled from deep, shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc. Fantasy outlook: 2025–26 Haliburton had an ADP of 12 in fantasy basketball drafts this season, making him a first-round pick in many leagues. While his point and assist numbers were slightly lower than the previous two seasons, he still had a highly productive season. He also appeared in 73 games, his second-highest total in a single season. Haliburton’s average turnover rate of 1.6 per game was particularly good for a player who has the ball in his hands so frequently. This increased his value in turnover-based category leagues. Haliburton was 25 in February, thus he has yet to enter the prime of his career. The Pacers’ roster should mostly remain the same next season, with Myles Turner the only notable free agent. Haliburton, Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin all have contracts for at least the next two seasons. Haliburton is a youthful star who plays point guard for a fast-paced club. If the Pacers can get Turner back, Haliburton will have continuity heading into next season. Even if Turner departs in free agency, Haliburton should be surrounded by familiar faces. Haliburton is expected to be taken in the first round of many fantasy basketball drafts next season, and with good reason.