by Tony East
Indiana Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is sick and is questionable to play in the Pacers next game — a battle with the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Saturday night.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared the news on Friday after his team practiced. Haliburton did not participate.
“Tyrese didn’t practice today. He has a stomach ailment that we hope is not going to keep him out of the game tomorrow. But we’ll see,” Carlisle said. “Other than that, I think we’re doing okay.”
The Pacers first injury report ahead of the game was released at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, and it confirmed that Haliburton is questionable with a “Non-COVID illness.” No other players are listed as having an injury.
Losing Haliburton would be a big blow for Indiana, even for just one game. Cleveland has an excellent defense, and the Pacers went 7-19 without their All-Star guard last season. He finished with 20 points and 11 assists in Indiana’s opening night win over the Washington Wizards.
He is the engine that makes everything go for the Pacers. If he is unable to play, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell would be the most likely players to have a bigger role. Nembhard had a double-double on Wednesday and McConnell was solid in his six late minutes, though he was out of the rotation.
The Pacers next game after Saturday is on Monday in Indianapolis when they host the Chicago Bulls. With two division games coming up, the team will hope Haliburton doesn’t have to miss any action.
Originally posted on All Pacers on FanNation