NBA

Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight? Pacers share injury report ahead of NBA Finals Game 3 vs Thunder

This Wednesday, the Indiana Pacers will play Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and all eyes are on Tyrese Haliburton.

Tyrese Haliburton wants to lead the Pacers to victory in Game 3
© Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesTyrese Haliburton wants to lead the Pacers to victory in Game 3

The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder are tied at one win apiece in the NBA Finals. This Wednesday, the series shifts to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for Game 3, with much of the attention focused on the physical condition of Tyrese Haliburton.

Advertisement

The point guard, who was a key figure in previous playoff rounds against the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks, showed clear signs of physical discomfort during Game 2 at Paycom Center. This was especially evident in the first half, after which he had scored just 3 points.

Although Tyrese’s performance improved later — finishing with 17 points — it wasn’t enough for the Pacers to pull off a comeback similar to Game 1, and they ended up losing 123-107. Concerns about the 25-year-old star’s health grew after he was seen limping following the postgame press conference.

Advertisement

However, Indiana released its injury report on Wednesday, offering reassuring news for fans: Haliburton is not listed among the players dealing with injuries, which means his presence in Game 3 appears to be guaranteed.

Tyrese Haliburton looks on

Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.

Advertisement

Indiana’s injury report

In the latest injury report published by the NBA on Wednesday, the Pacers have two players listed as “Out” for tonight’s game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. One of them is, unsurprisingly, Isaiah Jackson, who has been out since November 2024 after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Not Caruso: Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praises a surprising teammate after his Game 2 performance

see also

The other absentee for Indiana will be Jarace Walker. The 21-year-old forward suffered a sprained ankle during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks and has been sidelined ever since. At the time, coach Rick Carlisle said Walker would miss the first two games of the Finals against OKC but would aim to return later in the series. That will not happen — at least not in Game 3.

Advertisement

The Thunder, meanwhile, have only one player on the injury report ahead of tonight’s game: Nikola Topic. The young guard has been out all season due to a serious knee injury but is expected to return to the court during the summer, targeting the start of next season.

Haliburton on the pressure of being a star

Before heading into Game 3 against OKC, Haliburton spoke with Malika Andrews and reflected on the criticism he often receives. “I think when you’re successful, people will always find a reason to discredit you. That’s really how it goes,” he said.

Advertisement

“For us, it’s about controlling what we can. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what people have to say about our road to get here, where we are right now, how we’re playing — we’re three games away from being NBA champions, and that’s the biggest thing,” Tyrese added about the Pacers. “Time flies and we’re just trying to enjoy where we are, enjoy where our feet are, and we’ll take the results.”

Survey

Who will win the NBA title this year?

already voted 0 people

Advertisement
ALSO READ
Is Stephen Curry playing tonight, Dec. 2, for Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder?
NBA

Is Stephen Curry playing tonight, Dec. 2, for Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

Suns’ Devin Booker gets real about what the matchup against the Thunder means in the NBA Cup
NBA

Suns’ Devin Booker gets real about what the matchup against the Thunder means in the NBA Cup

What happens if OKC lose or win against Timberwolves in 2025 NBA Cup today, Nov. 26?
NBA

What happens if OKC lose or win against Timberwolves in 2025 NBA Cup today, Nov. 26?

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing today for OKC vs Timberwolves in 2025 NBA Cup?
NBA

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing today for OKC vs Timberwolves in 2025 NBA Cup?

Better Collective Logo