Indianapolis, IN – Tyrese Haliburton, star point guard for the Indiana Pacers, is in jeopardy of missing Game 6 of the NBA Finals after suffering a lower right leg injury that worsened during Monday’s Game 5 loss to Oklahoma City.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle confirmed in a radio interview on Wednesday morning that Haliburton’s availability for Thursday’s game remains uncertain.
Injury Update and Evaluation
Haliburton, who has been battling the injury throughout the series, played through the discomfort for 34 minutes in Game 5 but struggled, failing to make a field goal. He ended the game with four points, seven rebounds, and six assists, as Indiana lost 120-109, falling behind 3-2 in the title series.
Carlisle stated that Haliburton will be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours, with his status likely to be listed as questionable for Game 6. The decision will likely come down to a game-time decision.
“He is going to be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable on the injury report,” Carlisle said during the interview on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan. “It will probably be a game-time decision for Game 6.”
Haliburton’s Toughness and Desire to Compete
Haliburton, a key member of Team USA’s Olympic gold medal-winning squad in Paris last year, showed incredible determination to play through the pain.
After leaving the game late in the first quarter and returning to the bench with his lower leg wrapped, Haliburton opted to return to the game despite his struggles.
He finished the game without making a shot, marking the first time in his career that he logged at least 34 minutes without scoring a field goal. However, he still contributed in other areas, leading the Pacers in rebounds and assists in the second half.
“I mean, it’s the NBA Finals. It’s the finals, man,” Haliburton said after the game. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can.
I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. They understand that. And it is what it is. Got to be ready to go for Game 6.”
Backup Plan: TJ McConnell’s Potential Starting Role
If Haliburton is unable to play, Carlisle mentioned that TJ McConnell could step into the starting role. McConnell has been impressive throughout the playoffs and was instrumental in helping Indiana cut an 18-point deficit to just two points in the second half of Game 5.
“Depending on the situation tomorrow, we may need him for significantly more minutes,” Carlisle said, referring to McConnell.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
As the Pacers face a must-win scenario in Game 6, the team will practice on Wednesday. While it will be a meeting and walk-through session, the importance of the upcoming game looms large.
The Pacers must prepare for the possibility of either having their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton available or relying heavily on backup options to keep their championship hopes alive.
In conclusion, the Indiana Pacers are facing uncertainty regarding Tyrese Haliburton’s availability for Game 6 of the NBA Finals, as he continues to deal with a lower leg injury.
Despite his struggles in Game 5, Haliburton’s determination to play could play a crucial role in whether he takes the court for this pivotal matchup.
