kcci
A familiar face will grace the hardwood at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday night as former Iowa State standout Tyrese Haliburton returns to Ames with the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers are scheduled to tip off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 6 p.m. CT in a preseason matchup, marking Haliburton's first appearance at the arena since his college days.
Haliburton, who played two seasons for the Cyclones from 2018 to 2020, earned All-Big 12 recognition as a sophomore despite a season-ending injury. He still holds the school record for assists in a single game with 17 against Southern on Dec. 9, 2018.
The game holds added significance as it will be Haliburton's first action since he suffered an Achilles injury during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It also represents the first NBA preseason game in Ames since 2018, when the Timberwolves faced the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks won that contest 125-107, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo's 21 points.
Game Details
Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
When: 6 p.m. CT, Wednesday, Oct. 7
Where: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
TV/Stream: NBA TV/DAZN
Tickets for the preseason game are available on secondary markets such as Ticketmaster. As of Wednesday morning, two tickets in the 200 level were listed for as low as $45.85 each.
Key Analysis
Haliburton's return to Hilton Coliseum carries both sentimental and practical weight. For the Pacers, it's a chance to see their star guard back in game action after a significant injury. For Iowa State fans, it's an opportunity to celebrate one of their own. The game also highlights the growing trend of NBA preseason games being held at college venues, bringing professional basketball to new audiences.
Originally reported by kcci.