Haliburton injury update for Knicks clash after Pacers HC admits ‘concern’

INDIANA Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is still dealing with back spasms, head coach Rick Carlisle has confirmed.

The two-time All-Star was listed as “questionable” ahead of the 121-117 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the second-round series in the NBA Playoffs.

2

And the 6-foot-5 playmaker will remain on the injury report for Wednesday’s Game 2.

“He’s playing through some stuff,” Carlisle said after the Pacers’ practice on Tuesday.

“I’m confident he’ll play, but he’s playing through some stuff there too.”

Carlisle pointed out that at this stage of the season, it’s unlikely for NBA players to be fully fit.

However, the Pacers head coach added, Haliburton’s injury is a “concern” as the Eastern Conference Semifinals series with the Knicks goes on.

“He’s working at it. Doing everything he can to keep himself feeling as good as possible,” Carlisle explained.

“Look, it’s just a factor, but he’ll play. I’m confident he’ll play.”

“But it’s a concern.”

Carlisle added: “This is the second round of the playoffs. This is hard, you know?

“And you’ve got to embrace the difficulty of the whole thing.”

Haliburton finished Game 1 with six points, two rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.

He went 2-for-6 (33.3%) from the field, both of his buckets coming from beyond the arc.

The former No. 12 overall pick, who’s been dealing with back spasms since the first-round series with the Milwaukee Bucks, admitted he didn’t feel like himself on Monday.

But Carlisle suggested Haliburton’s off night didn’t just come down to his health with the Knicks succeeding in keeping him off the ball.

Just lack of aggression, my energy — everything was off yesterday. I’ll be better in Game 2

Tyrese HaliburtonIndiana Pacers guard

“I’ve got to do a better job of getting him more shots,” the Pacers head coach said.

Haliburton vowed to bounce back in Game 2, saying his priority is to make sure he’s more aggressive on the court.

“Just lack of aggression, my energy — everything was off yesterday,” the ex-Iowa State standout said after Tuesday’s practice.

“I’ll be better in Game 2.”

He added: “I erred on the side of playmaking yesterday and that wasn’t the right decision for me.

“I’ve still got to be who I am. But yeah, I’ll just be better tomorrow.”

Haliburton averaged 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.9 assists in the regular season.

He shot 47.7% on 15.2 attempts per game from the field and 36.4% for 3.