The Indiana Pacers lost Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight, but the bigger concern is the status of star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton exited the 126-110 loss to the Boston Celtics early with left leg soreness. The two-time All-Star missed 10 games during the regular season with a left hamstring injury.
Haliburton has also been dealing with a back issue, and suffered a chest injury tonight before hurting his leg. Needless to say, if he can’t play or is hampered moving forward, Indiana’s chances of rallying from a 2-0 deficit are slim.
It’s looking grim for the Pacers, at least according to many commenters on social media.
“So this is significant,” said Pacers beat writer Dustin Dopirak.
“I was told NBA players can play in the NFL. Literal definition of soft. Let me tell you a story of a guy named Jack Youngblood who played with a broken leg for the entirety of the 1979 playoffs,” one person said.
“Heat without Jimmy -Cavs without D Mitch -Pacers without Haliburton This Celtics ring will not count,” another fan said.
“Phenomenally fun run. What a postseason. Would’ve had a series if we could inbound the ball in game 1. Oh well. Onward,” said Pacers fan Kyle Robbins.
“Celtics with a generationally lucky path to the Finals,” lamented a Cavs fan.
Haliburton scored 10 points and had eight assists in 22 minutes tonight before leaving.
Game 3 is set for Saturday night in Indianapolis. We’ll see if he’s about to give it a go.