Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, who has been out with a strained calf for a month, is officially ruled out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite initial reports suggesting he might return, Porzingis is not ready to make a comeback yet. In his absence, Al Horford is expected to start again and play significant minutes for Boston. This proved successful in Game 3, as Horford scored 23 points, hitting 7-of-12 from 3-point range. The Celtics secured a 114-111 victory in that game and currently hold a 3-0 lead in the series. They have the opportunity to close out the series in Game 4 on Monday, with the NBA Finals not commencing until June 6.
On the other hand, Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is facing a questionable status for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals due to a hamstring strain. This injury is putting his team’s season at risk as they try to stay alive in the playoffs. Haliburton was in the same situation before Game 3, but he was ultimately ruled out. There are concerns over whether he should play in Game 4 as pushing through a hamstring injury can often be detrimental. The impact of a potentially limited Haliburton on the Pacers’ performance is uncertain, given his key role in their high-tempo offense, averaging 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game this season.
In Haliburton’s absence, Ben Sheppard started but failed to score, leaving T.J. McConnell to take on the bulk of the point guard minutes