Tyrese Haliburton’s Status In Question For Game Six

After sustaining a calf strain during game five of the NBA finals, Indiana Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton’s health is a question headed into game six. The Indiana Pacers are currently down 3-2 in their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and an injury to Haliburton could be the nail in the coffin for them.

Haliburton is playing in his first NBA finals and he is posting averages of 15.0 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 7.2 assists per game, while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three. Haliburton suffered this injury during the second quarter of game five while he was attempting to drive to the rim. It was clear that this injury hampered Haliburton as he posted a woeful statline of 4 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds, and shot 0/6 from the field as well.

Haliburton has had a magnificent playoff run this year, posting averages of 17.9 points per game, 9.1 assists per game which leads the playoffs, and 5.8 rebounds per game as well. Haliburton has also been an extraordinarily clutch player during this playoff run, as he has stepped up during many big moments for his team. He has hit game winners against Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City, and he hit a magical shot against the Knicks to send a game to overtime as well. It would be a shame for this magical playoff run to be ended due to injury.

Calf injuries in the playoffs usually result in the player missing some time. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed multiple games during the 2024 playoffs with a calf injury. Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis also missed extended time with a calf injury during the 2024 playoffs. While the severity of Haliburton’s injury has not been disclosed, it is safe to assume that him not missing any games with his would be irregular. It has been reported that he is going to power through his injury because it is the NBA finals, but this will come at a cost no doubt.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle also announced that Haliburton’s availability won’t be announced until Thursday evening, signifying just how dire his condition is. Without Haliburton, Indiana’s chances of winning decrease exponentially, which is why he is doing everything in his power to suit up tomorrow night, even if he has to battle through injury.