Jun 18, 2025 06:46 PM IST Haliburton is probably going going to be a game-time determination for Game 6, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says INDIANOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are getting ready for the potential of not having Tyrese Haliburton out there to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, coach Rick Carlisle mentioned in a radio interview on Wednesday morning. HT Image Haliburton has been coping with a decrease proper leg damage all through the sequence and it worsened throughout Monday’s Game 5 loss in Indianapolis. Haliburton performed via it for many of his 34 minutes, however didn’t make a area aim within the sport and Indiana misplaced to Oklahoma City 120-109 — falling behind 3-2 within the title sequence. Now going through a win-or-else situation, there’s a likelihood Haliburton doesn’t play in Game 6 on Thursday. “He is going to be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable on the injury report and probably will be a game-time decision for Game 6,” Carlisle mentioned on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan. Haliburton, a part of the workforce that gained Olympic gold in Paris for USA Basketball final 12 months, was present process analysis Tuesday to find out the extent of the damage. Part of that analysis was an MRI examination, in line with an individual with information of the matter who spoke on situation of anonymity to The Associated Press as a result of neither Haliburton nor the workforce revealed that publicly. ESPN first reported that an MRI was scheduled. After Game 5, Carlisle didn’t particularly say that the MRI could be a part of the workforce’s subsequent strikes in determining how greatest to proceed with Haliburton, although made clear that the Eastern Conference champions could be taking an in depth take a look at the damage. Given that it’s evidently a muscular damage, an MRI is a part of the standard analysis course of. “We have to prepare for two scenarios — one where he plays and one where he does not,” Carlisle mentioned within the radio interview. If Haliburton can not play, it might appear probably that the Pacers would promote guard TJ McConnell to a beginning position. McConnell has been sensible all through these playoffs and sparked a rally the place Indiana closed an 18-point deficit to a two-point distinction within the second half of Game 5, earlier than Oklahoma City pulled away once more and for good. “Depending on the situation tomorrow, we may need him for significantly more minutes,” Carlisle mentioned of McConnell. Haliburton left Game 5 late within the first quarter and returned to the bench space with a wrap on his decrease leg. He not solely returned to the sport, he performed 34 minutes — however did so whereas lacking all six of his photographs and with him barely seeking to shoot in any respect within the second half. He completed the sport with seven rebounds and 6 assists, however solely 4 factors. It was the primary time in Haliburton’s profession that he logged a minimum of 34 minutes and didn’t make a single area aim. The Pacers, Carlisle mentioned, mentioned not letting Haliburton play within the second half. Haliburton vetoed these plans and performed 17 minutes within the second half, main the Pacers in rebounds and assists after intermission. “I mean, it’s the NBA Finals. It’s the finals, man,” Haliburton mentioned after Game 5. “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.” The Pacers are scheduled to apply Wednesday. It will largely be a gathering and walk-through session, Carlisle mentioned. NBA: /nba This article was generated from an automatic information company feed with out modifications to textual content.









