Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton exits Game 2 with left leg soreness. Will he play in Game 3?
The Pacers were outdone once again by the Celtics, but the cost could be even higher after their star left the game in the closing stages with an injury.
Tyrese Haliburton has been nothing short of sensational in the 2024 NBA playoffs for the Indiana Pacers. That’s to say, should his ‘left leg soreness’ rule him out for any length of time, the Pacers’ hopes of overturning a 2-0 deficit will take a significant blow.
Tyrese Haliburton left Game 2 early with leg soreness
On a night when the Pacers needed to respond to a Game 1 loss in the Eastern Conference finals, things did not go as planned. Indeed, not only were they essentially outplayed by the Celtics from start to finish, but they also lost their star, Tyrese Haliburton. Truth be told the 24-year-old could be seen shaking his head and slamming the ball on the court in frustration during the warm-up. Did he know something we were yet to discover? Regardless, Haliburton’s night ended prematurely after he was forced off the court in the fourth quarter with what has been described as “left leg soreness.”
Now, it’s worth noting that Haliburton missed time earlier this season due to a left hamstring injury i.e., it’s reasonable to believe the intensity with which he has played this postseason has finally taken a toll. Either way, the Pacers will undoubtedly be sweating on his status now that they are truly in a bind at 2-0 down ahead of Game 3. Regarding the game itself, it’s got to be said that while Haliburton’s injury hurts, the Pacers were never truly in the game with the Celtics having enjoyed a 20-point lead at one stage.
Ultimately, the Pacers will now have to regroup following their 126-110 loss with the hope that playing in front of their own fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse offers the right kind of motivation. Where Haliburton is concerned, there has been no official word on the severity of his injury or whether he will play in Game 3, but what is assured is that the Pacers need him healthy to have a shot. In his 28 minutes on the court, he posted 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists which are not sensational numbers - assists aside - but given the mood the Celtics were in, it’s not the best indication of his impact.