The Indiana Pacers secured a spot in the semi-finals of the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament, triumphing over the Boston Celtics with a final score of 122-112. Tyrese Haliburton, the standout guard for the Pacers, showcased a stellar performance, notching his first career triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With this victory, the Pacers advance to face the winner between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference quarter-finals, slated for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference quarter-finals, the New Orleans Pelicans emerged victorious against the Sacramento Kings, securing a 127-117 win at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Brandon Ingram played a pivotal role for the Pelicans, contributing 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Despite a formidable effort from De'Aaron Fox, who scored 30 points, and Domantas Sabonis, recording an impressive 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, the second-seeded Kings suffered their third defeat to the Pelicans this season.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans are set to face either the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers or the fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns in the semi-finals, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on Thursday. The culmination of the In-Season Tournament is marked by the final on Saturday, providing an intense conclusion to this innovative addition to the NBA season. Worth noting is that all matches, except for the final, contribute to the regular-season standings, adding an intriguing dynamic to the tournament's impact on team performance.
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