Set to make his second straight All-Star appearance, only this time starting for the Eastern Conference in his home arena, Tyrese Haliburton has been having a sensational 2023-24 season for the Indiana Pacers. In a total of 36 games, Haliburton has averaged 23.0 points and 12.3 assists per game while shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range. Unfortunately, the young star suffered a hamstring injury on January 8 against the Boston Celtics, an injury that has had a lingering impact on his availability as of late.
While he did play in Thursday night's 109-105 loss to the New York Knicks, Haliburton found himself listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings, the team he was originally drafted by. Fortunately, prior to tip-off, Haliburton was given the greenlight to play.
The Pacers and Kings did meet one another already this season at Golden 1 Center, a game Indiana won 126-121. However, Haliburton did not play in this game a few weeks ago due to his ongoing hamstring issue.
While it's likely that Haliburton is not yet at 100 percent because of his bothersome hamstring issue, the good news for the Pacers is that they have T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard to back him up. In 12 games without Haliburton this season, McConnell has proven to be effective, averaging 11.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Pascal Siakam, whom the Pacers recently acquired from the Toronto Raptors, could also take on more of an all-around playmaking and facilitating role if Haliburton is given some sort of restriction.
Along with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin is also made available. However, both Jalen Smith and Myles Turner are ruled out for Friday's matchup with the Kings.
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