The Indiana Pacers' preseason schedule will be opening up tonight when the team takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The game will be played at Iowa State, giving Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton a homecoming for his return. Haliburton missed all of last season due to a torn Achilles, and he will be making his return tonight.

For the Pacers, the 2025-26 season was a major disappointment without Haliburton on the floor, as the team only won 19 games. After coming within one game of winning a title, Indiana couldn't do much without the star guard on the court.

Indiana still has star Pascal Siakam next to Haliburton, giving this team a veteran presence on the roster. But ultimately, Haliburton is easily the most important player on the team, and his health will determine everything for this group.

So, entering the preseason opener for the Pacers, here are a few things to watch for:

With Haliburton returning, all eyes will be on him when this game tips off. The star guard has been out since Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and his return has been the biggest storyline of the offseason.

Haliburton will need to show he is healthy, and if he can, the sky is the limit for the Pacers this season. Indiana may slow-play him back into the rotation, but overall, the star guard seems ready to get his season going tonight.

After trading for big man Ivica Zubac last season, the Pacers will have their first chance to debut him alongside Haliburton. Zubac is a strong rebounder, and he can finish in the painted area very well, giving thought to him having strong shot attempts all year long.

But the pace of play for the Pacers is a real thing, and Zubac is going to have to adjust his style a little bit to fit in. Indiana could always change how they play as well, but the Pacers have been at their best over the years when they are running up and down the court.

Expecting Haliburton back, the Pacers had a busy summer, bringing in a few new players. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Larry Nance Jr. were the two big signings, and this will be the first chance to see them in action.

Indiana will strive to work them into the system, with head coach Rick Carlisle working his magic again. It may take some time, but the Pacers have a lot of depth around their star players this coming year.