NBA Preseason Returns Bring Damian Lillard Back to Portland and Tyrese Haliburton to the Pacers
Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton returned to the NBA preseason floor on October 7, 2026, marking their first game action in nearly a year and a half after recovering from long-term injuries, trashtalk.co reported. Lillard suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since returning to the franchise, while Haliburton played 16 minutes in the Indiana Pacers’ home win against Minneapolis.
The slate featured five preseason matchups that showcased high-profile returns, standout rookie performances, and early looks at revamped rosters. Lillard finished his debut with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting in front of the home crowd in Portland. Haliburton posted 7 points and 6 assists on 3-of-8 shooting during his 16-minute stint for Indiana.
Damian Lillard Reunites with Portland Fans and Debuts Alongside Ja Morant
Playing on his home floor for the first time since returning to the franchise, Lillard received a loud ovation from the Portland crowd. The guard departed for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 in pursuit of a title before coming back to his longtime franchise. Alongside Lillard, offseason acquisition Ja Morant made his preseason debut for the Trail Blazers, recording 8 points, 5 assists, and 2 interceptions on 3-of-8 shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NBA Preseason Action
How many minutes did Tyrese Haliburton play in his return?
Tyrese Haliburton played 16 minutes in the Indiana Pacers’ win against Minneapolis, contributing 7 points and 6 assists on 3-of-8 shooting.
What were Damian Lillard’s shooting statistics in his comeback game?
Damian Lillard scored 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting for the Portland Trail Blazers in his first game back since suffering an Achilles tendon tear.
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