INDIANAPOLIS – As the Indiana Pacers face elimination in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, all eyes are on the status of their All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who confirmed Wednesday that he’s nursing a right calf strain. While Haliburton is doing everything in his power to suit up for Thursday’s pivotal matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his availability remains in question.
“I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions,” Haliburton said after a limited practice session. “But I’m a competitor. I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play.”
The Pacers officially listed Haliburton as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report. He participated in light work during practice — reviewing film, going through a walk-through, and doing some flat-footed shooting — but did not fully test the leg. Head coach Rick Carlisle noted that a final decision will come after Thursday’s late-afternoon prep session.
“He’ll go through the day tomorrow,” Carlisle told reporters. “They’ll get together and do some testing. That will determine whether he plays or not. If he doesn’t play, we have a plan, obviously.”
Haliburton has been managing a lingering lower right leg issue throughout the series, which worsened during Monday’s 120-109 loss in Game 5. Despite logging 34 minutes, Haliburton failed to make a field goal — the first time in his career he’s done so in a game with that many minutes.
“Everything just felt off,” he said. “My mind was there, but my leg just wasn’t cooperating the way I needed it to.”
The 24-year-old has explored every recovery option available — from hyperbaric chambers and acupuncture to electronic stimulation and specialized taping — to reduce swelling and stiffness. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed the calf strain.
If Haliburton can’t go, T.J. McConnell is expected to step into the starting lineup. McConnell has played a vital role throughout the postseason and was instrumental in the Pacers’ near-comeback in Game 5, trimming an 18-point deficit down to two in the fourth quarter.
“He’s someone that can get us to our spots, push the pace,” forward Pascal Siakam said of McConnell. “He played great last game. He’s going to be huge for us going forward too.”
While Carlisle admitted the staff discussed shelving Haliburton in the second half of Game 5, the guard insisted on returning to the court. He led Indiana in rebounds and assists after intermission, despite being visibly limited and reluctant to shoot.
“Ty is a soldier,” forward Obi Toppin said. “We’re going to try to play through any type of injuries or anything. He’s most likely going to be good. We don’t know yet.”
Through five games in the series, Haliburton is averaging 15.0 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field. His presence — even at less than 100% — is critical for Indiana as they try to even the series at 3-3 and force a winner-take-all Game 7.
Tipoff for Game 6 is set for Thursday night in Indianapolis, where Haliburton’s availability could define the Pacers’ season.
