Tyrese Haliburton questionable for NBA Finals Game 6 against OKC due to calf injury

Tyrese Haliburton is going through a tough time as the Indiana Pacers trail 3-2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers are counting on their All-Star point guard for the decisive Game 6 at home on Thursday night, but his right calf injury from the previous game raises serious concerns.

The 25-year-old was limited by a calf strain in Game 5, finishing with just 4 points on 0/6 shooting and 0/4 from 3-point range. Despite this below-standard performance, Haliburton remained determined after the final whistle: « I need to understand the risks and ask the right questions, » he explained Wednesday. « But I’m a competitor and I want to play, so I’ll do everything I can to play. »

Uncertain status worries the Pacers

Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that Haliburton will « probably » be listed as questionable on the injury report. « He will be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours, » Carlisle told local radio. « We need to prepare for two scenarios: one where he plays and one where he can’t play. »

Wednesday’s practice footage was hardly reassuring, showing Haliburton visibly bothered by his injury, barely putting weight on his leg. The point guard, who was already hurt during Game 2 of the series, trusts the Pacers’ medical staff: « I have tremendous confidence in our medical staff and I also have tremendous confidence in our organization to make the right decision. »

If their leader is absent, the Pacers would rely more heavily on TJ McConnell, who scored 18 points in Game 5. Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, will also need to carry Indiana’s offense after scoring 28 points in the loss. Haliburton, who had stated he was « good to play » as long as he could walk after Game 5, hopes to be present for this crucial game to force a Game 7 in Oklahoma City.