If matchups between the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers end up being appointment viewing during the 2024-25 NBA season, remember Tyrese Haliburton’s appearance at WWE NXT on Monday.
The Pacers guard was part of the show and brought some of his teammates there, which drew boos from the crowd in Orlando. Haliburton was quick to respond and said, “I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan.”
It should also be noted that Ethan Page trolled Haliburton for Indiana’s Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Boston Celtics.
“If you want to force me to sign this contract, i’ll do it,” Page said (3 minute mark in the video below). “But let me put this in a way you and your pal here will understand. When it comes to this championship, Ethan Page is the Boston Celtics and on Oct. 1 when I beat you in Chicago, you (Trick Williams) will be like the Indiana Pacers and the rest of the NBA because you’re going to have to watch me be victorious.”
Orlando and Indiana could be a blossoming rivalry in the Eastern Conference.
After all, the Pacers are coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance and have a talented core that includes Haliburton, Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam. And the Magic reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season and have a bright future with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
The Magic nearly advanced to the second round but lost in Game 7 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers won a Game 7 to defeat the New York Knicks in the second round but were promptly swept by the Celtics in the conference final.
Boston went on to win the NBA title and put the finishing touches on an excellent season with a win over the Dallas Mavericks.
All eyes will be on the rematches between the Pacers and Celtics during the upcoming campaign, but there could be some additional hype for the games featuring Indiana and Orlando now. And Haliburton surely isn’t going to receive a warm welcome when his team is on the road.
Indiana’s first game at Orlando comes early in the schedule on Oct. 28.
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