Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury Poses Dilemma for Pacers Before Game 6

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers face elimination as they prepare for Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the key issue is the status of guard Tyrese Haliburton‘s right calf injury.

Haliburton, 25, suffered the injury during the first quarter of Game 5 on Monday. Despite returning to play for 34 minutes, he could only score four points, all from free throws, contributing to the Pacers’ struggle in the 11-point loss.

“I’m a competitor; I want to play,” Haliburton said about his desire to suit up for the crucial game. He has been undergoing extensive treatment, including massages and other therapies, to prepare.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle remarked, “He participated in all our walk-through stuff. But it’s a walk-through, so there was no real running. We’ll see where we are tomorrow.”

The absence of Haliburton would be a significant blow. The Pacers are 12-3 in these playoffs when Haliburton scores at least 20 points. Without his leadership, other players like T.J. McConnell and Pascal Siakam may need to step up more significantly.

Oklahoma City holds a 3-2 series advantage and has shown strength in capitalizing on turnovers; they turned 23 Pacers turnovers into 32 points in Game 5.

“We’ve got to do a heck of a lot better there,” Carlisle said, emphasizing the importance of ball security for a chance to level the series.

The Thunder are aware of the challenges a potential closeout game presents. “Don’t get complacent. We’ve got to take it one game at a time,” said guard Cason Wallace.

The stakes are high as the Pacers look to stave off elimination at home. Tips-off on Thursday may reveal the depth of Indiana’s resolve amid Haliburton’s injury uncertainty.