The Boston Celtics have been the most dominant team in the NBA playoffs this year posting an impressive 10-2 record. With that has come some lucky breaks that have helped their chances. In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, star guard Tyrese Haliburton reinjured his left hamstring and it appears he will be out for Game 3 on Saturday night.
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss Game 3 tonight vs. Boston due to a re-injured left hamstring, sources tell me and @joevardon. pic.twitter.com/sT4ibVl4zA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 25, 2024
The Celtics, who have an opportunity to apply a chokehold on the Conference Finals series, have to win on Saturday. There is no excuse for the Celtics and they need to continue their dominant run.
The loss of Haliburton for the Pacers is huge because he is their most impactful player and the guy who makes their high-powered offense go. The Pacers will be forced to rely on Pascal Siakam, who went for 28 points in Game 2. Boston should be able to send double teams at Siakam, forcing other role players to beat them.
Even though Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana will be rocking, there is no reason why the Celtics can’t sweep the series. The Pacers simply don’t have enough talent to match the Cs and I don’t see a world where they can win other than heroic performances from role players. The Cs need to take advantage of this golden opportunity, which could allow for extra rest before the NBA Finals.
Boston Celtics must ensure rest for their top stars ahead of potential Finals matchup
If you haven’t paid attention to the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, you have missed a highly physical series. Although the Mavericks lead the series 2-0, the Timberwolves are not going to quit and could extend the series. Whoever wins the series will surely give the Celtics their toughest test of the postseason.
With a highly physical series on the horizon, prioritizing finishing the Conference Finals early to ensure rest is the most important thing for the Celtics.
It could ultimately decide the Cs championship fate.