Pacers Tyrese Haliburton injury update Game 3 Celtics

Pacers' Haliburton questionable with hamstring injury, crucial for Game 3 against Celtics. Pressure on team to step up if he plays.

The latest NBA injury report has listed Haliburton as questionable due to left hamstring soreness, adding him to the Pacers' injury list alongside Mathurin, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. The uncertainty surrounding Haliburton's availability for Saturday's game against the Celtics is a cause for concern, given the quick turnaround since his injury.

In Game 2 against the Celtics, Haliburton suffered the hamstring issue and was forced to leave the game in the third quarter, ultimately missing the fourth quarter as the Pacers fell 126-110. Despite playing 28 minutes, he only managed 10 points along with four rebounds, eight assists, and one steal. Coach Rick Carlisle revealed that Haliburton was already feeling sore at halftime and was eventually pulled out by the team's trainer.

As the Pacers face a 2-0 series deficit against the Celtics, Haliburton's potential absence in Game 3 looms large. His playoff performance has been stellar, averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he posted 25 points, 10 assists, three steals, and one block in a near-upset of the Celtics.

The pressure is now on Pascal Siakam and the rest of the Pacers to step up in Haliburton's potential absence or limited capacity. The Celtics present a tough challenge with their balanced offense and defense, but Indiana has shown they can compete with them. With their backs against the wall, the Pacers will need to respond effectively, with or without their star player.