Just hours before the biggest game of his career, Tyrese Haliburton’s status is suddenly uncertain.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pacers star is believed to have suffered a strained right calf and will undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the damage.
The timing? Brutal.
With Game 6 of the NBA Finals looming Thursday night in Indiana — and the Pacers down 3-2 — this news could shift the momentum heavily in Oklahoma City’s favor.
Haliburton’s health has already been a question mark this postseason. He missed time earlier in the playoffs due to a hamstring injury and has clearly looked less explosive in recent games. But a calf strain this close to a must-win game? That’s panic-button stuff for Rick Carlisle and company.
Let’s be real: Without Hali, this Pacers offense simply isn’t the same.
Through the Finals, he’s averaged:
- 18.4 points
- 7.8 assists
- 2.4 threes per game
All while drawing constant attention and setting up shooters like Nembhard and Turner.
If he’s out — or even at 70% — expect a lot more defensive pressure on Pascal Siakam and an even bigger load on Indiana’s young core.
And while the MRI will tell us more later today, the vibe around the league right now is this: Indiana might be on the verge of falling apart.
The Thunder, on the other hand, are just one win away from history.
Stay tuned. Game 6 just got a whole lot spicier.
