The Indiana Pacers will face the Chicago Bulls on March 10, a critical game as the season nears its end. Currently 5th in the Eastern Conference and one game behind the Milwaukee Bucks, the Pacers seek to recover from a two-game losing streak. Unfortunately, star guard Tyrese Haliburton is ruled out due to a hip flexor strain, impacting the team’s offensive dynamics. Haliburton, averaging 18.5 points and 8.9 assists per game, is crucial for the Pacers’ success. Additionally, backup center Isaiah Jackson is also unavailable, pushing players like Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam to step up in their absence.
On Monday, March 10, the Indiana Pacers will go head-to-head with the Chicago Bulls in a pivotal game as the regular season starts to wind down.
The Pacers currently sit in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, just one game behind the Milwaukee Bucks, and a strong finish could grant them home-court advantage in the playoffs.
More Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton’s Status for Game Against Bulls in Doubt Due to Ongoing Injury
Every game is critical at this point, and the Pacers must recover from a two-game losing streak; tonight’s contest may prove to be a key moment for their playoff ambitions.
A major storyline leading into this matchup is the status of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been deemed questionable due to a hip flexor strain. Unfortunately, Haliburton will not be participating in this game.
Tyrese Haliburton (hip) ruled out Monday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 10, 2025
Haliburton, who has been pivotal to the Pacers’ offense this season with averages of 18.5 points and 8.9 assists per game, will certainly be missed if he cannot take the court. His dual threat as a scorer and facilitator is crucial to the team’s overall success.
More Pacers: Rick Carlisle Praises Pacers Center as Season Enters Final Stretch
Haliburton serves as the floor general for Indiana, skillfully setting up his teammates for easy baskets while posing a constant scoring threat. His absence could greatly hinder the team’s flow and leave them without a critical playmaker in a vital game.
The significance of Haliburton’s role within the Pacers cannot be emphasized enough.
He not only leads the team in assists, but his efficiency as a scorer helps to balance the Pacers’ offensive strategy, creating chances for both himself and his teammates.
In Haliburton’s absence, other players must elevate their game, notably guard Pascal Siakam and forward Myles Turner, who will likely need to take on more of the scoring responsibilities. The Bulls are a determined team fighting for a play-in tournament spot and are poised to exploit any chance to disrupt their rivals, making Haliburton’s presence all the more vital to Indiana’s success.
Aside from Haliburton, the Pacers will also be missing backup center Isaiah Jackson, who has been ruled out for tonight’s game.
While Jackson’s absence may not directly influence the scoring, his defensive capabilities and presence in the paint are certainly felt. The Pacers will have to lean on their remaining bigs like Turner and Obi Toppin to fortify the defense and dominate the boards.
With the conclusion of the regular season fast approaching, the Pacers must ensure they are at full strength to propel themselves toward a better playoff seed in the East.
Should Haliburton be cleared to play, it would provide a significant lift for Indiana as they aim to regroup and secure an essential victory against the Bulls.
More Pacers:
Trade Proposal Suggests Sending Pacers’ Myles Turner to Eastern Rival For Major Return
Update on Trae Young’s Injury Status Ahead of Pacers vs Hawks Rematch
For additional Pacers updates, check out Indiana Pacers on SI