Tyrese Haliburton, the star guard for the Indiana Pacers, will not play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics due to a hamstring strain. Haliburton dealt with discomfort earlier in Game 2 before leaving in the third quarter. He also sustained a chest injury during a collision with Jaylen Brown of the Celtics (Wojnarowski, ESPN; Charania, The Athletic).
Haliburton's injury occurred just days after he returned from a previous hamstring strain that kept him out for 10 games in January. His absence is a significant blow to the Pacers, who are already down 2-0 in the series and need every advantage they can get against the Celtics (Wojnarowski, ESPN).
The Pacers' head coach, Rick Carlisle, tried to have Haliburton play through the pain during halftime but was unable to continue. The team will reassess his injury ahead of Game 4 and determine his availability for Monday's game (Charania, The Athletic).
Haliburton has been a catalyst for Indiana's deepest playoff run in a decade, averaging 18.7 points and 8.2 assists in the playoffs (The Athletic). His absence will leave a significant void on the court for the Pacers, who are already struggling to keep up with Boston's offensive firepower.
Boston is also dealing with injuries, as center Kristaps Porzingis remains out due to a strained right calf. Backup center Luke Kornet is listed as doubtful after spraining his left wrist during Game 2 (The Athletic).
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be played on Saturday, May 25, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
