Indiana Pacers were dealt a blow when All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton was ruled out of Game 3 against the Boston Celtics due to a left hamstring injury. With the Pacers trailing 2-0 in the series and already considered underdogs, Haliburton’s absence was a major blow to their chances of advancing. Known for his playmaking abilities, Haliburton has been a key player for Indiana all season, averaging 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. Without him, other players will need to step up in a big way for the Pacers to have a chance in Game 3.
Boston Celtics have faced several teams dealing with injuries during the NBA playoffs, including the Pacers with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. The Celtics previously played against undermanned teams such as the Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler and the Cleveland Cavaliers without Donovan Mitchell. While injuries are part of the game, Boston could potentially benefit from facing weakened opponents as they aim for a spot in the NBA Finals. Haliburton’s injury gives the Celtics an advantage, as the Pacers face a challenging road ahead without their star point guard.
The Pacers’ hope lies in potentially taking Game 3 in front of their home crowd and turning the series around. Indiana has been strong at home during the playoffs, and they will look to capitalize on this to put pressure on the Celtics. With Haliburton out for Game 3 and doubtful for the rest of the series due to a hamstring strain suffered earlier in the season, the Pacers face an uphill battle. While they went 6-4 without Haliburton previously, the playoffs leave no room for mistakes, and Indiana will need a collective effort to stay competitive.
Despite a valiant effort in Game 1, where they almost stole a win on the road, the Pacers now face a daunting task without Haliburton in Game 3. With the odds heavily stacked against them, Indiana will need every player to step up and make an impact against the Celtics, who have been dominant throughout the season. While the Pacers have shown resilience and determination in previous games, overcoming the absence of their star player will require a monumental effort from the entire team to keep their playoff hopes alive and extend the series.
