Pacers Face Must-Win Game 3 Amidst Haliburton Injury Concerns

The Indiana Pacers are 6-0 while playing at home in the playoffs, but they are already down 2-0 against the Boston Celtics and could be without standout guard Tyrese Haliburton in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Due to a left hamstring injury sustained in Game 2, Haliburton is rated as questionable for this crucial game on Saturday. Though they accept the fact that they will be without their All-NBA guard, who missed ten games earlier this season due to a similar ailment, the Pacers are nevertheless upbeat.

“Everyone needs to take a more active role and step up,” stated T.J. McConnell, a guard for the Pacers. “We’ve performed admirably in that regard while he’s been away. We’ll see.

Considering that Haliburton averaged 17.5 points and 9 assists in the first two games, his absence would be a major setback.

The Pacers maintain their confidence despite the difficulties, pointing to their 11-game home winning streak as evidence of their optimism.

Pacers player Pascal Siakam stated, “We have the guys to understand how hard it is to win, and we know that we can bounce back.” It’s what we’ve done all year.

The Celtics are mindful of the difficult situation they’ll encounter in Indianapolis, as demonstrated by Jaylen Brown’s 40-point effort in Game 2.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stated, “I know that our building will be as loud and live as it’s ever been.” “Race weekend and all of the other events are happening. We must make the most of that.

After being left out of the All-NBA Teams, Brown played down the impact of his exclusion, emphasizing the team’s end goal.

We’re like, two games away from the Finals, Brown remarked. “To be honest, I’m too busy to give a (expletive).”

Despite Kristaps Porzingis’s (calf) absence for Game 3, the Celtics are still optimistic about finishing the series.

The Pacers will be battling for their lives in Game 3, while the Celtics will be looking to keep up their momentum. It should be an intense matchup. The availability of Haliburton and the Pacers’ capacity to take use of their home-court advantage will probably determine the result.