Tyrese Haliburton has been ruled out for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, as the Indiana Pacers struggle in their playoff series. The announcement came on May 27, with the Pacers trailing 0-3. This blow raises doubts about Haliburton's return during the NBA Playoffs.
Key Points to Know:
- Game 4 Details: The Pacers will face off against the Celtics at 8 p.m. ET in Indiana. You can catch the game on ESPN and ESPN 2.
- Previous Injuries: Haliburton had previously missed 10 games this season due to the same hamstring injury. Even when he returned, he often played the minimum required minutes to qualify for the All-NBA team, which he eventually made, earning him a hefty $41 million bonus on his supermax contract.
In the lead-up to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Pacers would be cautious with their star player. Head coach Rick Carlisle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while Haliburton "desperately wants to play," the team isn't willing to risk a more severe injury.
Looking Back:
- Sunday Practice: On May 26, Carlisle mentioned post-practice that there were no updates on Haliburton's status for Game 4, listing him as questionable.
- Game 3 Efforts: Andrew Nembhard took the starting spot in Game 3, and T.J. McConnell stepped up impressively off the bench. McConnell's performance—scoring 23 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists—nearly led the Pacers to a stunning victory without Haliburton.
If there's anyone capable of surprising the Celtics, it's McConnell. His self-belief and determination are well-documented, as highlighted in a recent profile by Katie Heindl in our playoffs coverage. With Haliburton sidelined, McConnell and the rest of the Pacers will need to bring their A-game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Login