Why Tyrese Haliburton's Injury Isn't Significant

Yet, despite prior reports, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle provided a crucial injury clarification for Haliburton.

"It felt like the hamstring the other night," Carlisle said during Tuesday's media availability. "This is just his body talking to him. It was a good thing he was pulled at halftime. This is good news. It is not the hamstring."

Carlisle added Haliburton "will likely be listed as day-to-day" moving forward. 

The Pacers' newfound placement in the Eastern Conference as the fifth seed could damage their momentum if they lose Haliburton for a long stretch.

However, given his day-to-day status, the fanbase shouldn't concern themselves too much on Haliburton's behalf. The Pacers point guard could use the time off as rejuvenation for the second-half stretch of the 2024-25 season. 

Although groin injuries also tend to linger even after a player returns, a hamstring issue would make for a worse omen, as the Pacers point guard ended his 2024 Eastern Conference Finals campaign reaggravated the same hamstring he hurt during the 2023-24 season. 

Ultimately, the Pacers missing their star point guard against the best team in the NBA isn't the optimal scenario. However, it could be worse, as Haliburton injuring his hamstring would have opened up old wounds the Pacers can't afford to mend.