BOSTON — The Indiana Pacers find themselves trailing 0-2 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, with concerns looming over the health of their standout guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton, a two-time All-Star, exited Thursday night’s Game 2 clash in Boston due to a hamstring injury, casting doubt on his availability for the remainder of the series.
The injury occurred midway through the third quarter as Haliburton attempted to defend against Jayson Tatum. A misstep during the defensive play caused him visible discomfort, leading to his departure from the court with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter. Despite attempting to play through the discomfort, Haliburton ultimately left the game for further assessment in the locker room.
The Pacers promptly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, with reports indicating left hamstring soreness, a recurring issue for Haliburton, who missed 10 games during the regular season due to a similar ailment.
Post-game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle provided limited insight into Haliburton’s condition, acknowledging that the hamstring had been bothering the star guard since halftime.
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“He made an effort to continue, but it was evident that he was struggling,” Carlisle remarked. “Our medical staff determined that he needed further evaluation.”
With Game 3 set to take place in Indiana on Saturday, the Pacers are anxiously awaiting updates on Haliburton’s status, knowing that his absence would present a significant challenge. In Game 2, Haliburton contributed 10 points and eight assists before his departure, showcasing his importance to the team’s offensive rhythm.
Should Haliburton be sidelined, the Pacers will lean heavily on Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell to fill the void. However, the absence of their star player would undoubtedly intensify the uphill battle they face against a determined Celtics squad vying for a championship berth.
The Pacers’ hopes for a turnaround hinge on Haliburton’s recovery, as they seek to overcome the adversity and mount a comeback in the series.
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