The Pacers were eight seconds away from stealing Game 1 on the road against the Celtics. Now, they find themselves returning to Indiana with a 2-0 deficit and their star player nursing an injury.
Tyrese Haliburton suffered a left hamstring injury in the second half of Game 2 and did not return to the contest.
Haliburton is the engine of the Pacers high-powered offense. Even if he hasn’t been as effective in the playoff as he was during the regular season, he is still averaging 18.7 points and 8.2 assists per game. If he is forced to miss any time in this series, Indiana will have an even steeper climb to beat Boston.
Will Haliburton be available for Game 3? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
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Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight?
Haliburton is reportedly expected to miss Game 3 after re-injuring his left hamstring injury, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Joe Verndon. The guard was previously listed as questionable for Game 3.
It is important to note that it could be a re-aggravation of the same injury that caused Haliburton to miss 10 games during January. Indiana has not given a specific update on the severity of the injury.
With Haliburton likely out for Game 3, head coach Rick Carlisle could go in a few different directions with the starting lineup. One option would be promoting super sub T.J. McConnell into the starting five. McConnell has been as impactful as any role player in the playoffs, averaging 10.8 points, 5.1 assists and 0.9 steals in less than 20 minutes per game.
Another option would be sliding Andrew Nembhard to point guard and playing bigger with Obi Toppin in the starting lineup. That would move Aaron Nesmith to the two and give Indiana a size advantage with Toppin, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner in the frontcourt.
The Pacers went 7-6 in 13 games without Haliburton this season.
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Celtics vs. Pacers start time
- Date: Saturday, May 25
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Celtics vs. Pacers will tip off around 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 25. The game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
What channel is Celtics vs. Pacers on today?
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: Sling
Celtics vs. Pacers will air nationally on ABC. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
Celtics vs. Pacers schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the NBA Playoff series between the Celtics and Pacers:
(1) Celtics vs. (6) Pacers — Boston leads 2-0
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
May 21 | Celtics 133, Pacers 128 (OT) | — | — |
May 23 | Celtics 126, Pacers 110 | — | — |
May 25 | Game 3 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
May 27 | Game 4 | 8 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
May 29 | Game 5* | 8 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
May 31 | Game 6* | 8 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
June 2 | Game 7* | 8 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
*If necessary