NBA Finals: Tyrese Haliburton’s status for Game 6 remains questionable after suffering a calf injury in Indiana’s Game 5 loss

The Indiana Pacers suffered a major blow during Game 5 of the ongoing National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals after it emerged that star guard Tyrese Haliburton had injured his right calf and appeared visibly uncomfortable on the court.

The Pacers’ 120–109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder was largely attributed to Haliburton’s calf issues, as he managed just four points throughout the game. He had a scoreless first quarter and briefly left for the locker room before returning with a wrap around his right calf.

It was later reported that Haliburton was dealing with calf tightness, which clearly affected his performance. He remained scoreless in the first half and didn’t register his first points until 7:07 remained in the third quarter. He also missed all six of his field goal attempts.

BREAKING: Rick Carlisle says the Pacers are preparing to play Game 6 without Tyrese Haliburton, h/t @esidery

His official status will be determined tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/O3FyPB2N8F

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 18, 2025

Following an MRI scan, it was confirmed that the 25-year-old had indeed suffered a calf injury. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stated that Haliburton is not 100% fit and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

“He is going to be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable on the injury report — probably a game-time decision for Game 6. He is not 100 percent, it’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game. We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing. I thought he made a lot of good things happen in the second half, but he’s not 100 percent,” Carlisle said at a press conference.

Haliburton also addressed the media after Indiana’s Game 5 loss, admitting he was “not great,” but expressed a strong desire to continue playing regardless of his condition.

“It’s the NBA Finals. It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here, and I want to be out there competing — helping 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,” Haliburton stated.

Haliburton has been a game-changer for the Pacers throughout the NBA Playoffs and remains in the running for the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. It remains to be seen how the Indiana coaching staff will manage his condition as the two teams face off in Game 6 on Friday, June 20 (Philippine Standard Time), at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

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