The Indiana Pacers are making serious noise in the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs and fans are loving every second of it. After dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks in just five games (4-1) during the first round the Pacers have carried that momentum straight into Round 2.
They now lead the Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0) in the series and are looking to take full control in Game 3 tonight, May 9. But as tipoff approaches, one question has hovered over Pacers Nation: Will Tyrese Haliburton play tonight?
Tyrese Haliburton’s Status vs. The Cleveland Cavaliers
The good news is in and it’s big. According to the latest injury report by ESPN Haliburton is not listed and will indeed play tonight against the Cavaliers. This is a major relief for Pacers fans, especially after a nerve-wracking moment in Game 2 when Haliburton appeared to hurt his left wrist midway through the second quarter.
The scare happened around the 8:26 mark when Haliburton got tangled on a box-out while defending and seemed to jam his wrist. Cameras showed him holding his left hand in discomfort and consulting with the team trainer during a brief stoppage in play.
For a few moments, it looked like the Pacers might be facing a serious setback. Fortunately, Haliburton stayed in the game and now looks ready to go for Game 3.
“It’s fine. Obviously, a little sore. (Cavs) said they were going to ramp up the physicality. They did. We’re not crying. It’s just playoff basketball,” said Haliburton.
Haliburton on his left wrist: “It’s fine. Obviously a little sore.
“(Cavs) said they were going to ramp up the physicality. They did. We’re not crying, just coming out here to play basketball.”
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 7, 2025
There’s only one name on the Pacers’ injury report for tonight who has been listed as “out” and that is Isaiah Jackson. But his absence won’t shake things up much. Jackson has been sidelined since before the playoffs began and has not been part of the current rotation.
Haliburton has been a force this postseason. The All-Star guard is averaging 18.4 points and 10.7 assists per game this postseason showcasing his elite playmaking and offensive control. His skills will be essential in Game 3 especially as the Pacers try to keep Cleveland’s stars like Donovan Mitchell in check.
Other Important Players on the Pacers Squad
The Pacers have the high ground heading into Game 3 of their 2nd Round playoff series, and momentum seems to be tilting in their favor. According to the latest injury report by ESPN the Cavaliers have listed three key players—De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley—as “questionable”.
This gives the Pacers a potential advantage, as Cleveland may be missing significant firepower on both ends of the floor. Still the Pacers can’t afford to play loose or complacent. While Haliburton continues to be the engine of the team’s offense, Indiana will need solid contributions from other core players to maintain their edge.
Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner are two of the most important supporting stars in this effort. Siakam is averaging 18.3 points per game this postseason, bringing a mix of scoring and playoff experience. Turner on the other hand, is contributing 17.1 points per game along with his usual rim protection and rebounding.