Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is weighing his desire to play in the NBA Finals Game 6 and risking worsening tension in his right leg.
Haliburton was injured in Game 5, his own shell, and failed to score a single shot. Indiana is in a volatile position, knowing it needs to protect its star players and also facing elimination on the NBA finals stage.
Haliburton hopes to find a way to get his team on the floor.
“I have to understand the risks and ask the right questions,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “But I’m a competitor. I want to play. I’m going to do everything I can.”
Halliburton averaged 17.8 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals in the first four games of the NBA Finals. He shot 67.9% from two points and 33% from three.
Tyrese Haliburton on his nervous Mavericks.
Massage, needles, high pressure, everything to put on the calf. Say he might have missed time if it was the regular season.
The walkers will take this until tomorrow, late afternoon.
Harry: “I want to go there. That’s the plan.” pic.twitter.com/hynzuvcr8x
— Kevin Bowen (@kbowen1070) June 18, 2025
Pacers coach Carlisle said more in Halliburton
Head coach Rick Carlisle shed light on the process of making Haliburton’s decision. He detailed the star defender’s participation in Wednesday’s team morning walk. No running or moving was involved, more strategic and tactical discussions, and some shooting was done.
“He will be evaluated very carefully over the next 36 hours,” Carlisle said. “It may be classified as suspicious in the injury report. It may be the game time decision for Game 6.”
Is Rick Carlisle allowed to play in Game 6:
“We won’t really be sure until tomorrow afternoon or evening.” pic.twitter.com/rulb0rl5ax
– NBA TV (@NBATV) June 18, 2025
There will be no decisions about Halliburton until Thursday afternoon or as early as evening.
Game 6 is in Indiana at 8:30 pm ET on Thursday.
