Pacers Brace for Game 6 Showdown: Tyrese Haliburtons Status Uncertain as Playoff Pressure Mounts

Star guard Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers remains uncertain for Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday (June 19).

According to Pacers’ coach Rick Carlisle, Haliburton’s status will likely be determined shortly before the game begins. With Indiana trailing 2-3 in the series, they could potentially face this critical “win-or-go-home” matchup without their star player.

Carlisle mentioned in an interview with Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan, “He will undergo a thorough evaluation within the next 36 hours, and he is likely to be marked as questionable on the injury report. His participation will probably be a game-time call.”

“We need to prepare for both possibilities: one where he is able to play and another where he is not,” Carlisle added.

Haliburton suffered a right calf strain late in the first quarter during the 109-120 defeat against Oklahoma City. He has already been dealing with leg issues throughout the series.

In the first five games of the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton is averaging 15.0 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, having made a crucial buzzer-beater to win Game 1.