Pacers vs Celtics
(Game 3)
With Tyrese Haliburton questionable for Game 3, Indiana seeks to maintain their perfect home record in the playoffs and avoid a 3-0 deficit.
The Indiana Pacers boast a flawless 6-0 home record in the NBA playoffs, but they now face a new challenge.
Trailing the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers might be without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton for Saturday's crucial Game 3 (8:30 ET on ABC) in Indianapolis.
“That’s a time for this group for everyone to step up and take a bigger role,” Indiana guard T.J. McConnell said of the possibility of his squad being without Haliburton.
“We’ve done a good job of that when he’s been out. It hurts when he goes down, but one of those things where it’s the ‘next man up’ mentality. Obviously, we’ll see.”
Regarding the prospect of his team playing without Haliburton, Indiana guard T.J. McConnell stated, "That's a time for this group for everyone to step up and take a bigger role."
"We've performed admirably in that regard during his absence. When he falls, it hurts, but it's one of those situations where the idea of "next man up" prevails. Of course, we'll see.
Preview of the Game
As they prepare for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night, the Pacers are in a familiar situation. Like they did against New York in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Indiana lost its first two games in the best-of-seven series in Boston and came home down 0-2 in the series.
In the penultimate round, the Blue & Gold overcame that deficit, winning Games 3 and 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and ultimately won the series in seven games.
If the Pacers are going to make a run at this series, they will need to win this round, which won't be an easy feat to duplicate.
In the penultimate round, the Blue & Gold overcame that deficit, winning Games 3 and 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and ultimately won the series in seven games.
If the Pacers are going to make a run at this series, they will need to win this round, which won't be an easy feat to duplicate.
PLAYOFF CENTRAL: Follow Indiana's Postseason Run at Pacers.com/Playoffs >>
Over the past two months, no team has been more difficult to defeat at home than the Pacers. Indiana is the only team left in the playoffs that hasn't lost a home game, and they are a perfect 6-0 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers have won 11 in a row at home dating back to the regular season, and they haven't lost in Indiana since March 18.
In the meantime, the Celtics have gone undefeated on the road in the playoffs, winning both of their road games in Miami during the first round and Cleveland during the second. On Saturday, something has to give.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Pacers:
- Guard: Andrew Nembhard
- Guard: Tyrese Haliburton (If available)
- Forward: Aaron Nesmith
- Forward: Pascal Siakam
- Center: Myles Turner
Celtics:
- Guard: Jrue Holiday
- Guard: Derrick White
- Forward: Jaylen Brown
- Forward: Jayson Tatum
- Center: Al Horford
Injury Report:
Pacers:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Questionable (sore left hamstring)
- Bennedict Mathurin: Out (right shoulder labral tear)
Celtics:
- Luke Kornet: Doubtful (left wrist sprain)
- Kristaps Porzingis: Out (right soleus strain)
Last Meeting:
May 23, 2024: The Celtics won Game 2 at TD Garden 126-110 because to a few crucial runs from Jaylen Brown, who tied his postseason career best of 40 points.
The Celtics took a commanding lead in the second quarter after scoring 17 points in a row. After Indiana had closed the gap to two points, the team extended their lead to double digits in the third quarter with a 16-5 run.
With a team-high 28 points, Pascal Siakam led Indiana in scoring, shooting 13 of 17 from the field and 2 of 2 from 3-point range. Obi Toppin scored 11 points off the bench in the Indiana loss, while Andrew Nembhard ended with 16 points and five assists.
All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Boston's Derrick White contributed 23 points, four rebounds, and six assists.
TV:
Lisa Salters (sideline reporter), JJ Redick (analyst), Doris Burke (analyst), and Mike Breen (play-by-play)
93.5/107.5 on the radio The Fan: Jeremiah Johnson (studio presenter), Eddie Gill (analyst), and Mark Boyle (play-by-play)
On Saturday, May 25 at 8:30 PM ET, the Pacers will host the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Locate Tickets Here
93.5/107.5 on the radio The Fan: Jeremiah Johnson (studio presenter), Eddie Gill (analyst), and Mark Boyle (play-by-play)
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