Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton has been listed as questionable for Game 3 of the team's Eastern Conference finals matchup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday because of a sore left hamstring.
Haliburton scored 10 points and played just eight minutes in the second half before leaving Indiana's 126-110 Game 2 loss Thursday because of the sore hamstring. He sat out the entire fourth quarter.
Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle revealed that Tyrese Haliburton also suffered a chest injury following a first-half collision with Boston's Jaylen Brown.
Meanwhile, the Celtics' injury report released on Friday listed center Kristaps Porzingis as out due to a right soleus strain, while Luke Kornet is doubtful with a left wrist sprain.
Porzingis, who has been sidelined since Game 4 against the Miami Heat on April 30 due to a calf injury, may potentially return to action in Game 4 on Monday, according to sources close to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. However, the Celtics are prioritizing caution in Porzingis' recovery and won't rush his return.
Haliburton's current hamstring issue is a recurrence of a left hamstring strain he suffered earlier in the season against the Celtics on January 8th. During that period, the Pacers posted a 6-4 record.
Reflecting on Haliburton's condition after Thursday's game, Carlisle mentioned, "He was sore at halftime... He came out, gave it a shot and all the effort that he could." Despite his efforts, Haliburton's injury forced him to be sidelined for the remainder of the game.
With two more victories needed to advance to their second NBA Finals in three years, the Celtics face crucial matchups in Indianapolis. The Pacers have proven formidable at home, boasting an undefeated 6-0 record this postseason.
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