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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported there is “relief” within the Pacers that Haliburton did not suffer a more serious injury.
The All-Star was carried off the floor by teammates after slipping in the second quarter of Monday night’s win over the Boston Celtics. He finished with seven points and six assists in 13 minutes and was replaced by T.J. McConnell. The nature of the injury led to some concern about a worst-case scenario for Haliburton, who has emerged as one of the game’s premier guards.
Last season, the Pacers were an ugly 7-16 in the 23 games Haliburton missed due to injury.
“I think we have a better mentality moving forward than we did last year without him,” forward Aaron Nesmith told reporters. “We have a really good next-man-up mentality especially because we’re just so deep. Everyone on this team works hard, deserve to play, and they always showcase what they’re able to do when they get the chance. I think we’ll be alright.”
Haliburton is averaging 23.6 points, 12.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season. He’s also been one of the league’s most efficient guards, currently sitting a hair away from 50-40-90 status.
It will be impossible for the Pacers to replicate Haliburton’s production with one person. McConnell will likely move into the starting lineup for the time being but is more of a quality veteran role player than a leader of an offense. Myles Turner is the only other player on the Pacers roster who is averaging more than 15 points a game.
Second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin and Buddy Hield will see a significant increase in responsibility, particularly on the scoring side of things.
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