A Milestone Matchup
Indiana's point guard Tyrese Haliburton is set to headline an NBA exhibition game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum on October 7, a contest that marks the first such meeting at the venue since 2018.
The game represents more than a preseason warm‑up; it signals the Pacers' ambition as they prepare for what many expect to be a deep playoff run, with the franchise eyeing its second NBA Finals appearance in 2025.
Haliburton, a former Iowa State Cyclone and two‑time NBA All‑Star, enters his seventh season after a breakout 2023‑24 campaign in which he topped the league with 10.9 assists per game and helped the United States capture Olympic gold in Paris.
The exhibition also brings together a roster of notable alumni, including former Cyclone greats Jeff Grayer, Jeff Hornacek and Fred Hoiberg, who have all left indelible marks on the program.
Tim Floyd, another Iowa State alumnus, is among the coaching staff watching the proceedings, underscoring the lasting connection between the university and the professional game.
Tickets for the matchup will go on sale September 9, giving fans an early chance to secure seats for what promises to be a high‑profile showcase of talent.
The Pacers will face the Timberwolves in a venue that has historically served as a proving ground for NBA talent, with the game forming part of a broader series of preseason events that highlight the league's expanding global footprint.
Indiana's front office, in partnership with the NBA and the Olympic Committee, hopes the contest will further cement the team's reputation as a catalyst for emerging stars.