Kristina Roberts
The Indiana Pacers are facing a tough decision as they prepare for Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, is dealing with a right calf strain, and his availability for the game remains uncertain. Haliburton himself has made it clear that he wants to play, but the team’s medical staff will have the final say.
Haliburton suffered the injury during Game 5, and it clearly affected his performance. After the injury, he was unable to score a single field goal in the second half. Despite this, he participated in the team’s walkthrough, though head coach Rick Carlisle mentioned that Haliburton did not do any serious running. The team has labeled him as a “game-time decision,” meaning fans will have to wait until just before the game to know if he will play.
“It’s a topic that people want to hear about and know about. There’s going to be a lot of questions about it,” Carlisle said. “We will not really know for sure until late tomorrow afternoon or early evening.”
Haliburton, however, is determined to take the court. “The plan is for me to play,” he said. “I want to be out there.” He admitted that if this were a regular-season game, he would probably sit out to recover, but the NBA Finals are different. The stakes are too high, and Haliburton wants to help his team fight for a championship.
But there are risks involved. In 2019, Kevin Durant famously suffered a torn Achilles in the NBA Finals after returning from a calf strain. Injuries like these can change a player’s career, and the Pacers must weigh the short-term benefits of having Haliburton on the court against the long-term risks to his health.
“I think it depends on who you ask,” Haliburton said. “You’re asking me. I think I have to be as smart as I want to be. Have to understand the risks, ask the right questions. I’m a competitor. I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. That’s just what it is.”
This isn’t the first time Haliburton has dealt with injuries at a crucial moment. Last year, he missed the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics due to injury. He also played through a hamstring issue during the Olympics, which affected his performance early in the season. Still, he bounced back strongly, leading the Pacers to an unexpected run to the NBA Finals.
If Haliburton plays and performs well, the Pacers might have a chance to force a Game 7 back in Oklahoma City. But if he sits out, Indiana’s chances of winning become much slimmer. The team relies heavily on his playmaking, scoring, and leadership.
“I practiced today, did what I could,” Haliburton said. “I know Coach told you guys what the process will be tomorrow for me to play. Yeah, we’re just taking it from there.”
Over the past two days, Haliburton has undergone various treatments to speed up his recovery. He has received massages, needle therapy, and even spent time in a hyperbaric chamber—a special oxygen-rich room that helps healing. The extra rest days in the NBA Finals schedule have also given him more time to recover compared to a regular-season game.
In this series, Haliburton has been averaging 15 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field. His presence on the court is vital for the Pacers, but the team’s medical staff may have to step in if they believe playing could worsen his injury.
“Yeah, I have a lot of trust in our medical staff. I have a lot of trust in our organization to make the right decision,” Haliburton said. “I think there’s been many situations through the course of my career where they’ve trusted me on my body. They trust me to make the right decision on my body when the power is in my hands. I’m trying to try my best to do that.”
The Pacers’ journey to the Finals has been surprising, and Haliburton has been at the center of it all. His ability to control the game, create opportunities for his teammates, and score when needed has made him one of the most exciting young players in the league. But now, his health is the biggest question mark hanging over the team.
Fans, teammates, and coaches will all be waiting anxiously to see if he can suit up for Game 6. The Thunder, on the other hand, will be preparing for both scenarios—facing Haliburton or taking advantage of his absence.
No matter what happens, Haliburton’s determination to play shows his passion for the game and his commitment to his team. Whether he takes the court or not, his leadership and fighting spirit have already left a mark on this historic Pacers season.
The NBA Finals are all about high stakes, tough decisions, and unforgettable moments. For Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, Game 6 could be the defining moment of their season. Will he play through the pain and keep their championship hopes alive? Or will caution win out, leaving the Pacers to fight without their star? Only time will tell.
As the basketball world watches closely, one thing is certain—Haliburton’s heart is in the game. Now, it’s up to his body to cooperate.
