Folks, we’re two games into the finals, and boy, are we getting more than what we bargained for! A 1-point difference to wrap things up in game, and add to that Tyrese Haliburton’s Game 1 antics that took the same place in history as Josh Giddey’s last-minute half-court buzzer-beater against the Lakers. Well, that’s if he doesn’t win the Pacers their first banner. He virtually disappeared in Game 2 against OKC. “There’s a lot more to the game than just scoring. Everybody’s got to do more,” Rick Carlisle said, defending his star. But seeing him limp after the postgame press might’ve not left much to wonder as to why. Is this something to worry about? Maybe not, after he updated the worrisome ‘Cers, waiting for any news that can bring them up to speed.

“I’m fine. Really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that. I feel fine and I’ll be ready to go for Game 3.” This is a hearty congratulations to all of Indiana – your hero is good and fit to play in Game 3. They need him for sure. Seeing him partner with Pascal Siakam is probably what brought them the success they’ve had this season. But after his drop-off in Game 2, the Bobby Plump regen might’ve given the fans something to think about.

Let’s hope that the “lower leg thing” isn’t as bad as the Hoosiers think. If Haliburton has a real chance at creating his own legacy, he’ll need to be on top of his game. Maybe that’s what’s justified the two NBA All-Star and two All-NBA third-team selections in his three years in Indy town.

“I never lose belief in our group. I never lose belief (in myself),” Haliburton told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after Indiana’s one-point victory in Game 1. “If I lose belief in taking a shot at the end of a game, we’re probably screwed. So, I just gotta stick with it and stay confident and keep making plays.”

Add to that coach Carlisle’s words and fans can breathe a sigh of relief about the star playing. “He practiced, and he went through everything. I know he has some discomfort; he feels it, but each day, it’s getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.” 

Tyrese Haliburton not being there would’ve sucked the fun out of the first Finals game at the Gainbridge in 25 years. But that wouldn’t have changed Pat McAfee’s announcement regardless. To all the readers, you ought to keep your eyes peeled outside the arena for Pat to host his show with a special guest.

Pat McAfee’s show to take place outside the Gainbridge, possibly with a guest appearance from Shams Charania

“It’s upto to something season” for the lads in the media now. This is arguably Shams’ busiest part of the season. But that won’t stop him from grinding the games, right? Pat’s already announced his show to take center stage outside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. But what he didn’t expect was Shams’ announcement that had just sent his one to the shops. Shams was supposed to come on the show to talk about Tyrese Haliburton’s injury concerns and other pertinent things. What actually came next was something that caught our favourite show host by surprise.

“I do have news. I will be in the house tomorrow in Indianapolis outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse… It’s “Upto Something Season”. So if you’re there live in person, okay, coming your way, but you got to be a person to get it first though, right,” said the ESPN writer on the show. This is huge for all you fans who follow ball beyond the hardwood. With Charania on the show, we might get insider info on what’s going on in the off-season. Maybe even coming to the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant?

Doesn’t look like Tyrese Haliburton‘s injury is that bad. Let’s hope he can play in an all-important NBA Finals Game 3 in front of his fans for the first time. Indiana needs their caped crusader to pull up with another masterclass tomorrow. And if that happens, Pat McAfee’s show will just be that much more fun to tune into.