SUMMARY
- The Indiana Pacers are on a three-game winning streak, with their latest victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 28, 2024.
- Despite their success, the star player of the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, is facing stress due to a hamstring injury, causing him to miss 10 of the last 11 games.
The Indiana Pacers are standing at No. 6 in the Eastern Conference, riding on a three-game winning streak after defeating the Grizzlies on January 28, 2024, by a 6-point lead. Amidst this breakout season, the star player of the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, is under much stress due to his hamstring injury.
The All-Star has missed 10 of the last 11 games so far after he strained his hamstring vs. the Boston Celtics on January 8, 2024. Facing off against the C’s at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the point guard sustained a hamstring pull in his left leg. Although he stepped on the hardwood again vs. the Portland Trail Blazers on January 19, 2024, the injury got worse. Not only did he hobble his way out of the court, he extended his recovery time.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, an MRI revealed on Tuesday, sources tell ESPN. He’s expected to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks but there’s relief that he’s avoided serious injury. pic.twitter.com/AnYt2ov7pV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 9, 2024
Haliburton is averaging 23.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 12.6 assists, with 49.6% shooting from the deep in the 34 games he has played. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, “ESPN Sources: There’s optimism that Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton will return to the lineup vs. the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Haliburton, who was selected as a starter in the All-Star Game.”
The Pacers are about to face the C’s on January 30, 2024, at the TD Garden in a road game. Although head coach Rick Carlisle is experimenting with different lineups in his absence, making space for newly acquired Pascal Siakam as well, he knows what purpose Haliburton can serve on the roster. Apart from the all-star game, there seems to be a lot on the line for the guard if he doesn’t resort back to the court soon.
Tyrese Haliburton could lose $54.1 million if he misses more games
It’s mandatory for a player to clock minutes in at least 65 of the 82 games in a season to be eligible for league awards. This rule was instigated by the league after the latest collective bargaining agreement. The above-mentioned league awards include MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and even All-NBA honors. If a player bags such awards, then teams provide more money in contract extensions.
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It’s worth noting that the player signed a max contract deal with the Pacers in July 2023. However, the inked contract won’t kick in until next season, which leaves enough room for the player to bag an award. The contract is worth around $205.9 million as of now.
However, if he makes one of the three All-NBA teams this season, this value could witness a steep jump and could become $260 million, per multiple sources. The catch here is that now he can only afford to miss four games this season.
While the team would want him to sit out and recover, the player might be planning to play despite his injuries. In cases like these, it’s the product that gets hurt at the end. The question prevails: will the Pacers support Haliburton in getting back on the hardwood in the next game?