The Indiana Pacers have ruled out Tyrese Haliburton for Game 4 against Boston due to an injured left hamstring. This is the second game Haliburton will miss in the Eastern Conference finals, where the Celtics lead the series 3-0. If the Pacers manage to extend the series, Game 5 would be played in Boston on Wednesday. Haliburton, the league’s assists champion, has been a key player for the Pacers in their deepest postseason run in a decade.
In Game 3 against Boston, the Pacers twice built 18-point leads without Haliburton, but ultimately lost to the Celtics who took the lead in the final minute and won 114-111, ending the Pacers’ perfect postseason home record. Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics’ one-time All-Star center, has also been ruled out due to a strained right hamstring since April 29. However, Jrue Holiday, who overcame an illness, and Luke Kornet, who has a sprained left wrist, will be available for Game 4.
The Celtics are in a strong position to clinch their second NBA Finals appearance with a win in Game 4 against the Pacers. The absence of Haliburton has been a significant blow to Indiana, as he has been instrumental in their postseason success. Boston has managed to rally and overcome deficits in the absence of some key players, including Porzingis. The continued availability of key players like Holiday and Kornet will be crucial in Game 4.
The Pacers will have to find a way to compensate for the absence of Haliburton and overcome the deficit in the series to stay alive in the playoffs. They will need strong performances from their remaining players to challenge the Celtics in Game 4 and potentially force a Game 5. Boston will be looking to close out the series and secure their spot in the NBA Finals, capitalizing on their strong performances despite missing key players.
The Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Celtics have been competitive despite injuries to key players on both teams. The Pacers have shown resilience in the absence of Haliburton, while the Celtics have managed to overcome their own challenges and take the lead in the series. Game 4 will be a crucial match-up for both teams, with the Pacers fighting to stay alive and the Celtics aiming to advance to the NBA Finals with another win. The outcome of Game 4 will determine the future of both teams in the playoffs.
