The Indiana Pacers are running out of runway.
Facing elimination in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, they return to Indianapolis needing a win to keep their title hopes alive and force a Game 7 against the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder.
But there's one massive question hanging over Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Will Tyrese Haliburton play in Game 6?
The All-Star guard exited Game 5 with an injury, and his status remains murky ahead of Thursday's must-win clash.
Before you make your NBA picks, let’s dive into what we know — and whether the Pacers’ floor general will be ready when it matters most.
Will Tyrese Haliburton play in Game 6?
The short answer to this question is 'probably not'.
When Tyrese Haliburton left — and subsequently returned — in Game 5, he was clearly in discomfort. Reports after the game indicated that he was dealing with a severe calf strain and would undergo further testing to understand the severity.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is believed to have suffered a strained right calf and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the strain, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4FTIoB1RVU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 17, 2025
While the Pacers do have a full two days of rest before Game 6 on Thursday, new reports indicate that the Pacers' head coach, Rick Carlisle, is preparing to be without his star PG.
BREAKING: Rick Carlisle says the Pacers are preparing to play Game 6 without Tyrese Haliburton, h/t @esidery
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 18, 2025
His official status will be determined tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/O3FyPB2N8F
If Haliburton does, in fact, miss Game 6, it will be a big blow to their chances of winning and extending the series to Game 7.
Haliburton has been the straw that stirs the drink all season long, and finding a way to replace his 18.6 points per game and 9.2 assists (regular season stats) is something the Pacers will struggle to do.
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Tyrese Haliburton injury history
Tyrese Haliburton has dealt with several injuries throughout his NBA career, many of them recurring or impacting critical stretches of the season.
In January 2024, he strained his left hamstring, which cost him around 13 games. Unfortunately, that same hamstring flared up again during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, forcing him to miss the remainder of the series.
His injury woes continued into 2025, as he dealt with a combination of minor issues affecting his ankle, hip, groin, and back throughout the regular season.
Most recently, during the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton appeared visibly hampered by right ankle soreness and calf tightness, particularly after Game 2.
He attempted to push through in Game 5 but was clearly limited, later being diagnosed with a right calf strain. He’s now undergoing an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
Thunder vs Pacers odds
Thunder vs Pacers game info
| Location: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date: | Thursday, 6-19-2025 |
| Kickoff: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
