Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ standout point guard, is listed as a game-time decision due to a strained right calf, posing a formidable task as they get ready for a must-win Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After Haliburton’s injury deteriorated during Monday’s 120-109 Game 5 loss, coach Rick Carlisle stated on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan that the club is aggressively preparing for the potential of playing without him. For the Pacers, who are now behind 3-2 in the series and need to win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to force a Game 7, Haliburton’s possible absence might be a devastating blow.
An MRI on Tuesday verified Haliburton’s injury, which has put the team in a vulnerable situation. He played 34 minutes in Game 5 and struggled hard, going 0-for-6 from the field and only scoring four points from the free-throw line. His restricted mobility and efficacy were apparent, despite his resolve to play through pain—proclaiming, “If I can walk, then I want to play.” Indiana’s quick-paced, fluid offence relies heavily on Haliburton’s playmaking and inventiveness, and without him, the Pacers’ half-court rhythm would stutter against the stifling Thunder defence, which is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. The difficulties the club faces if Haliburton is injured or not playing at his best were highlighted by their 23 turnovers in Game 5, which allowed the Thunder to score 32 points.
The Pacers will probably use seasoned guard T.J. McConnell, who has been a key player throughout the playoffs, to make up for it. McConnell nearly led a rally from an 18-point deficit in Game 5 with 18 points in 22 minutes. Although the team wants to retain McConnell as a high-energy reserve to prevent tiredness, Carlisle intimated that he would see a lot more minutes—possibly even beginning. Another option is for the Pacers to move Andrew Nembhard to point guard and start Ben Sheppard, which worked well in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals when Haliburton was sidelined by a hamstring issue.
Haliburton’s will to play in spite of the possibility of making his calf strain worse demonstrates his leadership and competitive nature. On Wednesday, he took part in a light practice that included walkthrough, film study and some shooting, but his condition is still unknown pending additional assessment. Haliburton trusts the Pacers’ medical staff to help him make his decision, but they must strike a careful balance between his desire to participate and the risks to his long-term health because calf injuries can affect nearby muscles like the Achilles tendon. Haliburton is undergoing treatments such as electrical stimulation and hyperbaric chambers in order to prepare for what he refers to as “the biggest game of my career.” Even if he is not at his best, his presence could provide the team and the home crowd a boost in morale.
As Game 6 looms on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET, the Pacers are at a crossroads. A win would force a decisive Game 7 in Oklahoma City, keeping their championship hopes alive. A loss would end their remarkable playoff run, which has seen them defy expectations as underdogs. The Thunder, smelling blood, are poised to clinch their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City, but Indiana’s resilience and depth will be tested like never before. Whether Haliburton plays or not, the Pacers must find a way to limit turnovers, maintain spacing, and match OKC’s intensity. The outcome of this pivotal game will hinge on their ability to adapt and rally in the face of adversity.
