The Indiana Pacers have no room for error. They trail 3-2 in the NBA Finals and will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night in a must-win Game 6 to keep their championship hopes alive. In that context, the physical condition of Tyrese Haliburton has become a major storyline.
The point guard has been dealing with muscle issues over the last few games, something that was particularly evident in Game 5. He delivered a performance well below his usual standards, which proved to be a key factor in Indiana’s loss.
Given that, all eyes are on whether the 25-year-old star will suit up for Game 6 tonight at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. In the latest NBA injury report, Haliburton is listed as “Questionable” by the Pacers due to a right calf strain.
However, NBA insider Shams Charania shared key information just hours before tip-off. “Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton (calf strain) will play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder tonight,” he wrote on his official X account.
Tyrese Haliburton scored just 4 points in Game 5 vs OKC
It’s clear that the guard’s determination to be on the court and help his team get a favorable result outweighed any caution regarding his physical condition. In a different context—without the magnitude of a Game 6 in the NBA Finals—it’s likely the Pacers would have made a different decision regarding Haliburton.
see also
OKC vs. Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton sets unfortunate Finals record in NBA history
Haliburton’s stats in the Finals vs OKC
The Pacers are closely monitoring Haliburton ahead of Game 6, as he remains the team’s top offensive weapon. The guard has been instrumental in carrying Indiana through tough stretches in previous matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.
However, in the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City, Tyrese hasn’t been able to replicate that level of performance in most games. In fact, he’s averaging 15.0 points across the five contests against the Thunder, along with 6.2 rebounds and 7.2 assists. It’s clear the physical setbacks have taken a toll, with his lowest numbers coming in Game 5, when he was visibly struggling to move comfortably on the court.
Other players on the injury report
In addition to Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers have two more players listed on Thursday’s injury report. One is Isaiah Jackson, still recovering from a right Achilles tendon tear sustained in November 2024. The other is Jarace Walker, who’s been dealing with a right ankle sprain since the Eastern Conference Finals.
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