Is Tyrese Haliburton Playing Tonight? Knicks vs Pacers Injury Report Confirms Star’s Game 2 Status

Tyrese Haliburton brought back a wave of awful memories for Knicks fans on Wednesday. Silencing the roaring MSG crowd with his miraculous buzzer beater to force overtime, he recreated the iconic Reggie Miller choke sign from the 1994 Conference Finals. The taunt seemed fitting for the moment as the New York team blew a seventeen-point lead in the final quarter, going down 1-0 in the series. Now, Haliburton aims to double down by getting another win in enemy territory tonight.

So, don’t expect the superstar guard to sit out in Game 2. Haliburton is not listed on the Pacers’ injury report, which means he will be ready to suit up tonight. Well, Tyrese has been healthy for majority of the season. During the regular season, he played 73 games, his most since moving to Indiana. And he has not missed a playoff game so far.

Of course, Tyrese’s availability is a huge boost for his team because he has been their best player all year. He has averaged 18.7 points and nearly ten assists in the Pacers’ eleven postseason encounters. A similar performance could be in order tonight, as he looks to give his team a 2-0 lead in MSG, gaining a massive edge before the series heads to Indiana.

Another great news for Pacers is that they are heading into tonight’s game at complete strength. The only player on the injury report is Isaiah Jackson. But he has been out since November with a torn Achilles. So, his absence will not affect Rick Carlisle’s strategy for the upcoming games. Although Haliburton will be on the floor tonight, the world might never witness his choke sign again.

Tyrese Haliburton fears having “wasted” iconic celebration

When Haliburton hit his final shot in regulation on Wednesday, he thought it was a three-pointer and the game was over. That’s why he brought out the choke sign as the ultimate taunt to Knicks fans. However, replay confirmed that his toe was on the line and the game was heading to overtime. Sure, the Pacers ended up winning anyway, but Tyrese was not pleased about his celebration going to waste.

Jan 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates a basket in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“It felt right at the time, if it would have been three. If I would have known it was a two, I would not have done it. I might have wasted it.” He said postgame. Moreover, he has no intention of using that move again, “If I do it again, then people might say I’m like aura farming. So, I don’t plan on using it again.” Although his shot did not seal the game, the choke celebration fit the moment because the Knicks blew a huge lead. And Haliburton seems to have made his peace with it.

Also, he does not wish to be in a situation like Game 1 where his team needs heroic last quarter performances to overcome massive deficits. “I would like to not keep being in this situation.” He added. As historic as their comeback was, Haliburton and Co. would aim to gain an early lead in the upcoming games and never let go. With that mindset, they will head to MSG once again to face Jalen Brunson and Co. Do you think the Pacers will take a 2-0 lead tonight?

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