CHICAGO — Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton was once again absent from action on Monday night due to a left hip flexor strain, marking his third consecutive missed game.
Haliburton, a two-time All-Star, was unable to participate in the matchup against the Chicago Bulls, following previous absences in two consecutive games against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday and Saturday. The reliable point guard had only been sidelined for one of the first 60 games played by the Pacers this season.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle addressed Haliburton’s status before the game, mentioning that although Haliburton is showing signs of improvement, he is not fully ready to return to the court. Carlisle, having previously described Haliburton’s condition as day-to-day, remains hopeful for a swift recovery.
The absence of Haliburton has been significant for Indiana, especially considering his strong performance in his last outing. He last played against the Houston Rockets, contributing 28 points along with 15 assists in leading the team to a decisive 115-102 victory last Tuesday night. Throughout the current season, Haliburton has been a vital asset to the team, averaging 18.5 points and 8.9 assists in his 59 appearances. Moreover, since the All-Star break, he has elevated his game, averaging 23.9 points and 12 assists in seven contests.
