After stunning the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers to open their second-round series, the Indiana Pacers are heading into Game 2 with momentum, swagger, and maybe a chip or two on their shoulder. With the national spotlight now fixed on Tyrese Haliburton and company, fans are desperate to know — can Indiana go up 2-0? More importantly, is their floor general fully healthy?

Game 1 saw Haliburton look smooth, confident, and completely in control — but given how playoff basketball wears down bodies, nothing can be taken for granted. While the Pacers handled business behind Haliburton’s 22 points and 13 assists, any late tweaks or lingering issues could change the tone of Tuesday’s pivotal clash at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Injury Report: Is Tyrese Haliburton Playing Tonight?

As of Tuesday morning, Tyrese Haliburton is not listed on the Pacers’ injury report, which means the All-Star point guard is a full go for Game 2. That’s a major relief for Indiana, especially considering his long history of managing lower-body issues, including a recent hamstring injury that limited him late in the regular season.

In fact, Haliburton’s injury management was one of the biggest question marks entering the playoffs. While he’s looked strong throughout the postseason so far — averaging 18.3 points and 11.8 assists across six games — the Pacers have continued to monitor his minutes closely. But judging by his Game 1 performance, which included three blocks, a steal, and some lockdown perimeter defense, it’s safe to say Haliburton is operating at near full strength.

The Pacers do have one confirmed absence — Isaiah Jackson remains out with a torn Achilles tendon, ending his playoff campaign before it really started. Fortunately, the Pacers’ big man rotation has held up thanks to Myles Turner’s two-way presence and Pascal Siakam’s flexibility at the four.

On the Cavaliers’ side, the injury outlook is much murkier. Darius Garland, Cleveland’s primary floor general, is listed as questionable once again with a toe injury that’s already sidelined him for three straight playoff games. De’Andre Hunter (right thumb sprain) and Evan Mobley (left ankle sprain) are also questionable, although Mobley powered through to log 20 points and 10 boards in Game 1. Garland’s status looms especially large — without him, the Cavs have struggled to generate consistent offense, and Haliburton has had more freedom to roam and disrupt.

Haliburton Keeps Dishing, Doubters Keep Missing

While fans are checking the injury report for confirmation, Haliburton himself isn’t concerned about any narrative other than winning. Despite being voted the NBA’s most overrated player earlier this season, he’s responded with exactly the kind of postseason leadership Indiana fans have waited years to see.

Against Cleveland, Haliburton didn’t just distribute — he dictated. His Chris Paul-esque ability to read the floor, manipulate defenses, and get every Pacers player in rhythm turned Game 1 into a masterclass. And yes, the man really did call himself the team’s “mom” in his post-game presser. “Being a point guard is like being a mom. Your job is to take care of everybody,” Haliburton said. “I guess if we win the game, I was a good mom.”

That level of self-awareness and unselfishness is why the Pacers are now two wins away from owning the series. Even more importantly, Haliburton’s teammates love playing with him — Andrew Nembhard called him “old school” and “pure” as a point guard, and the results speak volumes. Indiana racked up 30 assists as a team in Game 1 — something only eight teams have done all playoffs, with the Pacers accounting for half of those efforts.

With no signs of injury holding him back, Tyrese Haliburton is set to lead the Pacers into Game 2 with every bit of momentum — and responsibility — on his shoulders. Cleveland may be scrambling for answers, especially if Darius Garland can’t go, but Indiana knows exactly where its advantage lies.

In Haliburton, they have a chess master. A floor general. A self-proclaimed mom. And most importantly, a healthy, motivated star with something to prove. The Cavs better be ready — because this mom isn’t letting her kids come home without dessert.