Indianapolis – Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle revealed Wednesday morning during a radio interview that star guard Tyrese Haliburton might not be available for Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
Haliburton has been dealing with a lingering lower right leg injury throughout the series, which appeared to worsen during Monday night’s Game 5 defeat at home. Despite staying on the court for 34 minutes, Haliburton struggled offensively and failed to convert a single field goal. The Pacers ultimately lost 120-109 to the Oklahoma City Thunder and now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven championship series.
With Game 6 on the horizon and Indiana in a must-win position, the team is preparing for the possibility that Haliburton may not suit up.
“He’s going to be thoroughly evaluated over the next 36 hours,” Carlisle told 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis. “He’ll probably be listed as questionable and likely won’t have a final decision until just before tipoff.”
Haliburton, who was part of the gold medal-winning USA Basketball squad at the Paris Olympics last year, was undergoing medical assessments on Tuesday to determine how serious the injury is. According to a person familiar with the situation, part of the evaluation included an MRI scan—though the team hasn’t officially commented. The Associated Press reported the information on condition of anonymity, and ESPN was the first to note the MRI was scheduled.
After Monday’s game, Carlisle didn’t confirm if the MRI was part of the plan, but he emphasized that the team would thoroughly assess Haliburton’s condition. The injury appears to be muscular, making imaging like an MRI standard protocol in such cases.
“We’ve got to prepare for both outcomes—whether he’s available or not,” Carlisle added during the radio segment.
If Haliburton is ruled out, veteran guard TJ McConnell is the likely candidate to step into the starting lineup. McConnell has played a key role for Indiana during the postseason and led a second-half charge in Game 5, cutting an 18-point deficit to just two before the Thunder regained control and closed out the win.
“Depending on how things unfold tomorrow, we may need TJ to carry a much heavier load,” Carlisle said.
Haliburton left Game 5 near the end of the first quarter and returned with a wrap on his leg. He went back into the game and played the rest of the way, finishing with four points, seven rebounds, and six assists. However, he missed all six of his shots and was visibly limited in the second half.
It marked the first time in Haliburton’s career that he logged at least 34 minutes in a game without making a single field goal.
Carlisle noted that there was internal discussion about sitting Haliburton for the second half. Ultimately, Haliburton insisted on continuing.
“It’s the NBA Finals. This is what I’ve worked my whole life for,” Haliburton said postgame. “I want to be out there to help my teammates, no matter what. I know I didn’t play well tonight, but the idea of not playing never crossed my mind. If I can walk, I’m going to play. That’s just how I’m wired. And the staff gets that. We’ve got to be ready for Game 6.”
The Pacers are expected to hold a light practice session on Wednesday, focusing mostly on meetings and a walk-through, according to Carlisle.
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