Tyrese Haliburton Injured, Out for Game 3
Star Guard to Miss at Least Two Weeks with Hamstring Strain
Pacers' Hopes Dwindle as Key Player Sidelined
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has suffered a left hamstring strain, an injury that will sideline him for at least two weeks, according to reports. The news is a major blow to the Pacers, who are trailing the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals.
Haliburton sustained the injury in the second half of the Pacers' Game 2 loss to the Celtics on Thursday. He left the game and did not return. An MRI on Friday confirmed the severity of the strain.
The Pacers have already ruled Haliburton out of Game 3 on Saturday and are unsure if he will be available for the remainder of the series. The team's hopes of advancing to the NBA Finals have taken a significant hit with the loss of their star point guard.
Haliburton is averaging 20.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game in the playoffs. He is a key part of the Pacers' offense and his absence will be felt on both ends of the court.
The Pacers will have to find a way to replace Haliburton's production in the lineup. They will likely turn to TJ McConnell or Brad Wanamaker to start at point guard. However, neither player has the same skillset or experience as Haliburton.
The Celtics, meanwhile, will be looking to take advantage of the Pacers' weakened lineup. They have already shown that they are a formidable opponent, and they will be confident of taking a 3-0 lead in the series on Saturday.
The Pacers' season is hanging in the balance. They will need to find a way to overcome the loss of Haliburton and find a way to beat the Celtics in Game 3. If they can't, their hopes of reaching the NBA Finals will be over.
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