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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals: Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana once again rise to the challenge to thwart OKC's coronation
INDIANAPOLIS — The ultimate game. That's what coach Rick Carlisle kept saying following the Indiana Pacers' somewhat improbable Game 6 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, sending the Finals to a decisive Game 7 for the first time since 2016. Advertisement It feels like a window into the Pacers' collective psyche, that all they had to do was take care of business Thursday night and in front of them would be the opportunity of a lifetime. 'One game,' Carlisle said. 'I mean, this is what it's all about. I mean, this is … this is what you dream about growing up, this kind of opportunity.' The notion is simplified, but if you look at the Pacers as a team that has grown in confidence since the NBA Finals have begun, a team that didn't feel it threw away its best chance at an upset two games ago with the Game 4 collapse, this makes sense. There was no stopping the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) They aren't supposed to be here, but they don't know that. Advertisement But they knew something we didn't, something our eyes wouldn't allow us to. If they had a reasonably healthy Tyrese Haliburton — who went through round-the-clock treatment and consultation over the last 72 hours — they could do more than make this elimination game respectable. Haliburton didn't come out of the tunnel like Willis Reed. He wasn't limping around like Isiah Thomas on a bad ankle. It was hard to tell just how hurt Haliburton was, although it surely seemed like he was ailing walking out of Game 5 in Oklahoma City. He had what he called an 'honest conversation' with Carlisle, given how ineffective he was in Game 5 when the Pacers clawed back from a big deficit only to let it slip away with five disastrous minutes, to make sure he wasn't dragging his teammates down. Advertisement But not going out there for Game 6 was not an option. 'I just look at it as I want to be out there to compete with my brothers,' Haliburton said. 'These are guys that I'm willing to go to war with, and we've had such a special year, and we have a special bond as a group, and you know, I think I'd beat myself up if I didn't give it a chance.' But the chance turned to confidence, perhaps buoyed by the healing powers provided by Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the Pacers rolled to a dominant 108-91 win to send the series back to Oklahoma City. Haliburton's 14 points and five assists don't jump off the page, but the first time he hit a shot he almost looked to the heavens to say, 'Finally ...' after going bucket-less in Game 5. Advertisement 'We've got one game. One game,' Haliburton said. 'It's nothing that's happened before matters, and nothing that's going to happen after matters. It's all about that one game. Just trying to approach it the right way for the next couple days.' Now, they believe. Perhaps the signal was Carlisle not messing around with Haliburton's status, coming right out in pregame and saying Haliburton was ready to go and that his injured calf could handle the rigors of the biggest game in franchise history. "What's the point? I mean, this time of year playing games isn't going to get you anywhere,' Carlisle said 90 minutes before game time. 'We got a job to do tonight. We've got to get ready to battle a team that has been the best team in the league all year long. It's a tough game. It's an elimination game. There's a lot going on.' The Indiana Pacers cannot be trifled with. They cannot be broken. If they buckled, they quickly came back to their feet before any knockout punch could be delivered. Advertisement The Pacers put themselves into the Thunder's luggage, stalling a victory celebration many expected before the night began. The Pacers led by as many as 30 at the end of the third quarter, and the Thunder played their reserves for the final 12 minutes, thus making the score look more respectable than it was. The Thunder are kings in waiting and perhaps will emerge victorious in this series to validate their favored status. But there is no intimidation factor across the way. They don't win the game before walking into the building — at least not yet. The Pacers are almost defiant about looking at the Thunder as some unbeatable juggernaut, claiming with certainty their confidence hasn't grown from the start — but through six games one cannot deny how comfortable the Pacers have gotten. If the Thunder thought they graduated by beating Nikola Jokić and the beaten-up Denver Nuggets, they've found out they're a few credits short of completion and headed to summer school. Advertisement 'I think that's just always been us. I don't think that changed,' Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said. 'We continue to be us, no matter what, and I think that's what makes us who we are.' They morphed into the best of what Oklahoma City has done in this series, providing their own 40 minutes of hell — targeting the league's Most Valuable Player all night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was in his own personal purgatory, with eight of the Thunder's 21 turnovers that got the Pacers into the open floor when the set offense was taking its time. Every time he turned his back, there was a Pacer, scrapping, reaching, getting in his space to make him think and throw off whatever rhythm the Thunder believed they gained. The Pacers have stymied Gilgeous-Alexander as well as anyone has this postseason, bringing his assist-to-turnover ratio to 27-to-23 in the Finals. For reference, he's a three-to-one performer the past two seasons, but Andrew Nembhard isn't giving him much space and is tireless in making him work. Advertisement One exhausts himself when he knows a championship is close, when it feels likely, when it no longer feels like a dream that is unattainable. Jalen Williams, the Thunder's co-star who's blooming every game, went from putting up 40 in Game 5 to being a ghastly minus-40 in 26 minutes. In the middle two quarters, the Pacers outscored the Thunder by a whopping 62-35 margin, and it wasn't long before the Thunder packed up their things, living to fight a Game 7 on their home floor. And if the Thunder think that will bring them solace, they're in for another rude awakening. 'It's so, so, exciting. As a basketball fan, there's nothing like a Game 7,' Haliburton said. 'There's nothing like a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. Dreamed of being in this situation my whole life. What happened in the past doesn't matter. What happened today doesn't matter. It's all about one game and approaching that the right way.' The Thunder have created a storm they cannot contain, with a seventh game that feels like an opportunity for all kinds of history. The ultimate game.
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA Finals Game 6 live updates: Pacers vs Thunder score, analysis, TV channel
NBA Finals Game 6 live updates: Pacers vs Thunder score, analysis, TV channel The NBA Finals continue with Game 6 between the Thunder and Pacers. OKC is looking for a championship as Indiana hopes to stay alive. Show Caption Hide Caption Rick Carlisle discusses preparations for Game 6 of the NBA Finals The Pacers head into Game 6 of the NBA Finals trailing 3-2 in the series. The Oklahoma City Thunder are one game away from winning the franchise's second NBA championship. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have a chance to secure that title against the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The first title was won in 1979 while they were known as the Seattle SuperSonics. The franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. OKC has won the past two games in the series to take the 3-2 lead after initially losing two of the first three games, including the opening in Oklahoma. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had four points, seven rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes of play in the 120-109 Game 5 loss on Monday. He finished 0-for-6 from the field and scored all four of his points from the free throw line. Haliburton confirmed on Wednesday he's dealing with a calf strain and told reporters he hoped to play in Game 6. He was cleared to play and is in the lineup for this closeout game. It all adds up to a crucial Game 6. USA TODAY Sports will provide the latest updates, highlights, wild plays, analysis and more throughout the game. Follow along. The Pacers are up by 30 points entering the final quarter. These are the biggest blowouts in NBA Finals history: 42 points – Bulls 96, Jazz 54 in Game 3 of 1998 NBA Finals 39 points – Celtics 131, Lakers 92 in Game 6 of 2008 NBA Finals 38 points – Mavericks 122, Celtics 84 in Game 4 of 2024 NBA Finals 36 points – Spurs 113, Heat 77 in Game 3 of 2013 NBA Finals 35 points – Bullets 117, SuperSonics 82 in Game 6 of 1978 NBA Finals The Pacers are up 90-60 as the fourth quarter begins. The Celtics rallied from a 24-point deficit for a 97-91 win against the Lakers in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals. According to ESPN, that is the biggest single-game comeback in Finals history. The Pacers lead the Thunder 66-42, a 24-point lead, with 8:06 left to go in the third quarter. The Pacers have never won an NBA Finals in team history. This is only the second time since they joined the NBA in 1976 that the Pacers have even made the Finals. If the Pacers hold on to win Game 6, the series-deciding Game 7 will take place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, home to the Thunder. The game will be played Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. In the face of potential elimination, the Indiana Pacers are rolling. After outscoring the Oklahoma City Thunder 36-17 in the second quarter, the Pacers rode their defense and perimeter shooting to head into the locker room at halftime with a 64-42 lead. The Pacers have unleashed swarming and physical defense, forcing the Thunder into contested shots and 12 turnovers. That has been the difference thus far, with both teams shooting comparably – the Pacers are actually shooting a lower percentage (44.2%) than the Thunder (44.7%). But Oklahoma City's 12 turnovers, compared to Indiana's two have led to the Pacers shooting 14 more attempts. Unsurprisingly, the Pacers are outscoring the Thunder in points off turnovers by a margin of 16-2. As he has all series long, backup point guard T.J. McConnell provided a massive spark off the bench, scoring eight points, dishing three assists and collecting five rebounds. But the Pacers have six players with at least eight points, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with 13. Similar to Game 4, when the Thunder went just 3-of-16 (18.8%) from 3, Oklahoma City struggled significantly from beyond the arc, hitting just a single 3-pointer on 11 attempts (9.1%). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have combined for 31 points. The rest of the Thunder have 11. Rick Carlisle is the Pacers' head coach. His lead assistant is Lloyd Pierce. Jim Boylen, Jenny Boucek and Mike Weinar are Indiana's assistant coaches. Pacers veteran point guard T.J. McConnell is 6-1. With 4:16 remaining in the first half, the Indiana Pacers have opened up a 48-35 lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Indiana Pacers mascot is a panther named "Boomer." He was voted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana in 2019. The Indiana Pacers lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 28-25 at the end of the first quarter. The Pacers started like a team that was tight, but they finished the first quarter like one that was fighting for its season. The Thunder, however, responded late. The Pacers missed their first eight shot attempts before ripping off a 19-3 run to take control early in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, opening up a three-point lead. Indiana relied on 3-point shooting – the Pacers hit five shots from deep – and its defense – the Pacers forced OKC into five turnovers – to spark the run. The Pacers were aggressive, attacking Oklahoma City in the paint to get high-percentage shots or open looks via kickouts. The Pacers also got to the line, converting 7-of-10 free throw attempts; the Thunder, by comparison, shot only four free throws, making a pair. Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and backup forward Obi Toppin lead Indiana with eight points apiece. Tyrese Haliburton, nursing a right calf strain, shot just 1-of-5 in the period, but has four points. Indiana frustrated NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, swarming him to try to contest his shots. He made just one of his first five shots, but finished the quarter with seven points. The Thunder struggled from deep, shooting just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. Wondering how to watch Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder? Time: 8:30 p.m. ET 8:30 p.m. ET Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis) TV: ABC ABC Stream: Fubo, Sling TV Maybe the Pacers just needed to warm up a little. After the Pacers missed their first eight shots and fell into a six-point hole early, they hit six consecutive and 7-of-8 to go on an 19-3 run. The 3-point shot has been the catalyst. Indiana is shooting 45.5% from beyond the arc, with Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin each hitting a pair. Tyrese Haliburton also hit his first field goal attempt, a 3-pointer to give the Pacers a 24-17 lead, leading to an OKC timeout with 4:15 to go in the first quarter. ESPN/ABC broadcaster Lisa Salters was present for Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Indiana. Salters missed Game 2 in Oklahoma City on June 8, citing that she was with her mother, who is dealing with a health issue. Salters' partner, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White, was not on the sideline for her team's 79-52 victory against the Chicago Sky at the United Center on June 7. The Fever had announced Thursday that White was not going to be on the sideline for the game against the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco on Thursday due to a personal matter. The news led to speculation about Salter's availability for Game 6 tonight. Both offenses have started slowly, though Indiana's has particularly so. The Pacers have missed their first six shot attempts, while the Thunder are 4-of-7 (57.1%) in the early going, to take an 8-2 lead through three minutes. Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who started despite a right calf strain, did not appear to be hindered by the injury, at least initially. Haliburton moved around the floor and did not appear to favor the leg, though he missed his first three shot attempts. The good news for Indiana? The Pacers haven't committed a single turnover yet, after they committed 23 in Game 5. Thunder forward Jalen Williams, fresh off of his 40-point masterpiece in Game 5, is 2-for-4 with four points. Just because the Thunder are one win away from their first NBA championship since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, doesn't mean that the team is looking to change – not now. When asked if his team would alter its approach, given the magnitude of the game, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault preached consistency. "The same habits that we've bet on over time are what's relevant in these situations," Daigneault said during his pregame news conference. "There's no new material. Same fundamentals on offense and defense are going to matter tonight in the game. Same preparation over the last couple days. Same psychological habits such as that are going to be relevant. "That's why we emphasize them so continuously, so when we're in these high-stakes situations, we're in a mode of familiarity, which I think gives us confidence." What time is Thunder vs Pacers game today? The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers for Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo Where is Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder? The Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder for a potential closeout Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to win the series vs. the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of Thursday, June 19): Spread : Thunder (-5.5) : Thunder (-5.5) Moneyline : Thunder (-225); Pacers (+185) : Thunder (-225); Pacers (+185) Over/under: 222.5 The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 6 as the favorite to win the 2025 NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers, according to BetMGM (odds as of Thursday, June 19) Series winner: Thunder (-3000); Pacers (+1250) USA TODAY: Every expert picks the Thunder Ahead of the series opener, all of the NBA experts at USA Today Sports picked the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals Scooby Axson: Thunder in five Thunder in five Jordan Mendoza: Thunder in six Thunder in six Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six Thunder in six James Williams: Thunder in six Thunder in six Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five USA TODAY: Most pick Thunder in Game 6 Scooby Axson: Thunder 111, Pacers 102 Thunder 111, Pacers 102 Jordan Mendoza : Thunder 113, Pacers 103 : Thunder 113, Pacers 103 James Williams : Pacers 111, Thunder 106 : Pacers 111, Thunder 106 Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder 116, Pacers 103 According to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, Tyrese Haliburton (calf strain) will play tonight vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder. 'Tyrese will play," Carlisle said in a pregame press conference. "He was tested at 5 p.m. He was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did very well. Went through walkthrough. There's no set minutes limit. We will watch and monitor things very closely from the beginning of the game through the entirety of the game. We'll go from there.' USA TODAY Sports staff has more on Tyrese Haliburton's injury. Oklahoma City Thunder Jalen Williams Chet Holmgren Isaiah Hartenstein Lu Dort Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Indiana Pacers Aaron Nesmith Pascal Siakam Myles Turner Andrew Nembhard Tyrese Haliburton The Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ABC. Game 3 between the Thunder and Pacers is available on ABC. Fans can also stream the action with Sling TV and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. All times Eastern; *-if necessary Odds via BetMGM on Saturday, June 16. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-650) Jalen Williams (+650) Pascal Siakam (+1500) Tyrese Haliburton (+9000) 6 players tied (+50000) The Oklahoma City Thunder have one NBA championship. However, it came in 1979 when the team was the Seattle SuperSonics. They have not won a title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Indiana Pacers have not won an NBA championship. They have two Eastern Conference titles (2000, 2025). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Chet Holmgren Jalen Williams Luguentz Dort Alex Caruso Isaiah Joe Cason Wallace Jaylin Williams Aaron Wiggins Kenrich Williams Isaiah Hartenstein Ousmane Diang Nikola Topic Ajay Mitchell Dillon Jones Tyrese Haliburton Pascal Siakam Myles Turner Benedict Mathurin Obi Toppin Andrew Nebhard Aaron Nesmith T.J. McConnell Isaiah Jackson Jarace Walker Ben Sheppard Johnny Furphy James Johnson Thomas Bryant Game 6 assignments: Crew Chief : Zach Zarba (12th Finals; officiated Game 2) : Zach Zarba (12th Finals; officiated Game 2) Referee : Tony Brothers (14th Finals; officiated Game 3) : Tony Brothers (14th Finals; officiated Game 3) Umpire : David Guthrie (Eighth Finals; officiated Game 1) : David Guthrie (Eighth Finals; officiated Game 1) Alternate: Tyler Ford Official assignments are announced at 9 a.m. on the day of the game. Here are the referees assigned to the 2025 NBA Finals. Tony Brothers (14th Finals) David Guthrie (8th Finals) James Capers (13th Finals) Ben Taylor (1st Finals) Marc Davis (14th Finals) Josh Tiven (6th Finals) Tyler Ford (1st Finals) James Williams (5th Finals) Scott Foster (18th Finals) Sean Wright (2nd Finals) John Goble (9th Finals) Zach Zarba (12th Finals) The NBA Finals TV ratings discussion is a classic struggle between the optimist and the pessimist. One headline: "NBA Finals have been most-watched programs since first week of May.' Another headline: 'NBA Finals ratings down 24%.' Two things can be true in this season's Finals between 'small-market' Indiana and Oklahoma City. Yes, ratings are down from last season's Finals between Boston and Dallas, and yes, the Thunder-Pacers Finals have brought in millions of viewers, including a peak of 11.54 million at 11 p.m. ET of Game 3 on Wednesday, June 11. Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the TV ratings for the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder. Eastern Conference finals No. 4 Indiana Pacers def. No. 3 New York Knicks, 4-2 Western Conference finals No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder def. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-1 NBA Finals No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder (Thunder lead series 3-2) Winners over the last 20 years. For a full list of champions, visit 2023-24 — Boston Celtics 2022-23 — Denver Nuggets 2021-22 — Golden State Warriors 2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks 2019-20 — Los Angeles Lakers 2018-19 — Toronto Raptors 2017-18 — Golden State Warriors 2016-17 — Golden State Warriors 2015-16 — Cleveland Cavaliers 2014-15 — Golden State Warriors 2013-14 — San Antonio Spurs 2012-13 — Miami Heat 2011-12 — Miami Heat 2010-11 — Dallas Mavericks 2009-10 — Los Angeles Lakers 2008-09 — Los Angeles Lakers 2007-08 — Boston Celtics 2006-07 — San Antonio Spurs 2005-06 — Miami Heat 2004-05 — San Antonio Spurs
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of NBA Finals, won't have minutes restriction
Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton, a game-time decision entering Thursday, won't be on a minutes restriction in the win-or-go-home showdown with the Thunder, who currently lead the series 3-2. Advertisement Haliburton suffered a right calf strain during the team's 120-109 loss in Game 5 on Monday. He finished with just four points after shooting 0-for-6 from the field in what was the worst game of his otherwise memorable, and mostly clutch, playoff run. Haliburton wore a gray sock/compression sleeve on his lower right leg while getting shots up Thursday evening, just a few hours before the 8:30 p.m tipoff. Carlisle told reporters Thursday evening that Haliburton was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did well. "He's going to play," Carlisle told NBA TV. "He's obviously going to start. And we'll monitor his situation very closely and very carefully. We don't know the exact number of minutes. There's not been a minutes limit that's been put forth by our medical people." Advertisement Carlisle added: "Look, we're in the Finals. It's national TV. There's long timeouts. So we'll start the game and see where we are as we go along." Haliburton played through the injury in Game 5 and made it clear postgame that he'd turn over every stone to be on the court in Indianapolis Thursday night, with the Pacers' season and NBA championship hopes on the line. "If I can walk, then I want to play," the two-time NBA All-Star told reporters at the time. Haliburton doubled down on that statement Wednesday. "I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions. But I'm a competitor," he said. "I want to play. I'm going to do everything in my power to play." Advertisement Haliburton has averaged 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the playoffs this season. His impact, however, is even greater than his numbers suggest. In addition to orchestrating the Pacers' run-and-gun offense, he's hit an array of jaw-dropping shots this postseason, including a game-winner to start the NBA Finals.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder vs. Pacers: Live updates, highlights from Game 6 of 2025 NBA finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder inched one step closer to an NBA championship in Monday's Game 5 with a dominant 120-109 win over the Indiana Pacers to take a 3-2 series lead, and now have the opportunity to close it out with a road win Thursday night. Most of the question marks heading into this game surround the health of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a calf injury in Game 5 that limited him to just four total points (all free throws) over 34 minutes, including an 0-for-6 showing from the field. Advertisement Haliburton is playing. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle announced before tip that Haliburton performed well in pregame strength testing and will play without a minutes restriction in the elimination game for Indiana. The Pacers will need a strong performance from him and Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam to keep the series going. The Thunder, who split their first two games in Indianapolis this series, will look for NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to continue his impressive playoff run, averaging 32.4 points per game in this Finals series. He and teammate Jalen Williams combined for a stunning 71 points in Game 5 to take the lead in the series. Advertisement Should the Pacers tie up the series with a win Thursday night, Game 7 would be played Sunday, June 22 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Date: Thursday, June 19 Time: 8:30 p.m. ET Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Indianapolis, Indiana TV channel: ABC Follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more from Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals:
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of NBA Finals, won't have minutes restriction
Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton, a game-time decision entering Thursday, won't be on a minutes restriction in the win-or-go-home showdown with the Thunder, who currently lead the series 3-2. Advertisement Haliburton suffered a right calf strain during the team's 120-109 loss in Game 5 on Monday. He finished with just four points after shooting 0-for-6 from the field in what was the worst game of his otherwise memorable, and mostly clutch, playoff run. Haliburton wore a gray sock/compression sleeve on his lower right leg while getting shots up Thursday evening, just a few hours before the 8:30 p.m tipoff. Carlisle told reporters Thursday evening that Haliburton was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did well. "The Pacers have a walkthrough this afternoon, so approximately around 5 p.m. ET they're hopeful to know definitively whether Tyrese Haliburton should be able to play or not," ESPN's Shams Charania explained on "The Pat McAfee Show" earlier Thursday. Charania continued while on with McAfee: "Unless there's some kind of a setback there — if he shows some signs where the medical team has to come in and step in and say, 'Listen, we can't throw you out there.' But he's fully intending to be out there tonight. He's going to gut it out. I would expect him to have some padding on that calf. But, listen, it's a calf strain. He's definitely got to be careful. But as long as he can get out there, I would expect Tyrese Haliburton to try to play tonight." Advertisement Haliburton played through the injury in Game 5 and made it clear postgame that he'd turn over every stone to be on the court in Indianapolis Thursday night, with the Pacers' season and NBA championship hopes on the line. "If I can walk, then I want to play," the two-time NBA All-Star told reporters at the time. Haliburton doubled down on that statement Wednesday. "I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions. But I'm a competitor," he said. "I want to play. I'm going to do everything in my power to play." Haliburton has averaged 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the playoffs this season. His impact, however, is even greater than his numbers suggest. In addition to orchestrating the Pacers' run-and-gun offense, he's hit an array of jaw-dropping shots this postseason, including a game-winner to start the NBA Finals.
