2 min read • June 24, 2025
Posted in
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is facing a long road to recovery after suffering a devastating Achilles tendon rupture during the NBA Finals—a heartbreaking end to an already heroic postseason effort.
Pro Football Doc - Dr. David Chao joined the Pat McAfee Show on June 23 to discuss several critical insights about the origin of the injury, the warning signs, and whether Haliburton should have played through it.
According to Dr. Chao, signs of Achilles tendonitis were visible as early as Game 2:
“After Game 2, he limped off the podium. By Game 3, he had Kinesio tape on his right leg. That’s when we said it was likely Achilles tendonitis—microscopic tearing that can weaken the tendon.”
This wasn’t a confirmed diagnosis by the team, but video evidence and medical expertise pointed to a progressive injury path—Achilles tendonitis evolving into a calf strain, and ultimately, a full tendon rupture.
Dr. Chao drew a stark comparison to Kevin Durant’s 2019 Finals injury, where a calf issue turned into an Achilles tear:
“These injuries are all on a continuum. Calf strain, tendonitis, rupture—they’re connected.”
He emphasized that Achilles tendonitis increases rupture risk from 0.01% to as high as 1–2%, a 100x increase in likelihood.
Despite the elevated risk, Dr. Chao believes the decision to let Haliburton play in the NBA Finals was understandable:
“This was the Super Bowl. Game 7. He was playing well. If there’s even a single-digit chance of rupture, most top athletes take that risk.”
He also pushed back on criticism of the team:
“This was not a surprise to the Pacers. They knew the risk. He should be applauded for trying to play through it.”
The harshest reality? Haliburton is likely to miss the entire 2025 season.
“The real loss for the Pacers isn’t just the Finals—it’s next season. He’s the third player this postseason to rupture his Achilles. And yes, all three wore number 0, oddly enough.”
Tyrese Haliburton’s injury was a known risk escalated by the high stakes of it being Game 7 of the NBA Finals. While devastating, his willingness to compete at the highest level deserves recognition. Unfortunately, this heroic run may sideline the Pacers’ franchise player for the next 12 months—and shift the Eastern Conference landscape.
Sign up to our FREE Weekly Newsletter here for all of our best injury-insights, free injury-based picks and special offers!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
Written by
