Tyrese Haliburton wants to make one thing clear: he’s not hurt, and he’s not sitting out.
After a video of the Pacers star noticeably limping off stage following Indiana’s Game 2 loss went viral, fans flooded social media with speculation about his health. But on Tuesday, Haliburton dismissed the chatter with a quick message: he’s good to go.
“I’m fine,” Haliburton told reporters during media availability. “It was really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate. I feel fine and ready for Game 3.”
Despite walking gingerly after Sunday’s 123-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haliburton said he expects to suit up Wednesday night as the series shifts to Indiana. The Pacers trail 0-2 and are in desperate need of a spark with their first home game of the Finals on deck.
Carlisle confirms Haliburton is ready
Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Haliburton participated fully in practice and downplayed any concern.
“He practiced. He went through everything,”Carlisle said. “I know he has some discomfort. He feels it. But each day it’s getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.”
Haliburton put up 17 points and six assists in Game 2, following his Game 1 heroics where he hit a last-second game-winner to cap off a 14-point, 10-rebound performance.
The Pacers are back home
His play, alongside former champion Pascal Siakam, has powered Indiana through a grueling playoff run, including series wins over the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks.
Now, the Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse chasing their first-ever NBA title in just their second Finals appearance – the last coming back in 2000.
Game 3 between the Pacers and Thunder tips off Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
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