Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Smith ruled out for Pacers game Wednesday in Boston

It is the first absence of the season for both players. The Pacers were 7-19 last season without their All-Star. Plus, coach Bob Knight passed away.

The Pacers will be without their leader, Tyrese Haliburton, for tonight’s game in Boston. The All-Star point guard suffered a right ankle sprain in Monday’s home loss to the Chicago Bulls. He is with the team in Boston, however.

Backup center Jalen Smith (left knee sprain) is also unavailable.

And for a positive note, guard Bennedict Mathurin (right elbow…