AP’s Indianapolis In a Wednesday morning radio interview, coach Rick Carlisle stated that the Indiana Pacers are getting ready for the potential that Tyrese Haliburton won’t be available to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
Throughout the series, Haliburton has been battling a lower right leg issue, which got worse during Monday’s Game 5 defeat in Indianapolis. Indiana fell to Oklahoma City 120-109, falling behind 3-2 in the championship series, despite Haliburton playing through it for the majority of his 34 minutes. He also failed to hit a field goal during the game.
Haliburton might not play in Game 6 on Thursday as it’s now a win-or-else situation.
Carlisle stated on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan that he will be closely examined over the course of the next 36 hours, will probably be labeled as questionable on the injury report, and will most likely be a game-time decision for Game 6.
Haliburton, a member of USA Basketball’s Olympic gold-winning squad in Paris last year, was being evaluated Tuesday to ascertain the severity of the injuries. An MRI test was part of that review, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither Haliburton nor the team made that information public. ESPN was the first to report that an MRI was planned.
After Game 5, Carlisle made it obvious that the Eastern Conference champions would be closely examining Haliburton’s injury, but he did not state explicitly that the MRI would be a part of the team’s next steps in determining how to go with him. An MRI is a standard evaluation procedure because it is clearly a muscular damage.
In the radio interview, Carlisle stated, “We have to be ready for two scenarios: one where he plays and one where he doesn’t.”
The Pacers would probably move guard TJ McConnell up to the starting lineup if Haliburton is unable to play. In Game 5, McConnell, who has been outstanding throughout the playoffs, spearheaded a comeback that saw Indiana cut an 18-point lead to two points in the second half before Oklahoma City pulled away once more and for good.
Carlisle remarked of McConnell, “We might need him for a lot more minutes tomorrow, depending on the situation.”
Late in the first quarter of Game 5, Haliburton exited the game and went back to the bench, his lower leg wrapped. Despite missing all six of his shots and hardly trying to shoot in the second half, he not only made a comeback but also played 34 minutes. He only had four points at the end of the game, but he had seven rebounds and six assists.
For the first time in his career, Haliburton played at least 34 minutes without making a field goal.
Carlisle stated that the Pacers talked about denying Haliburton a chance to play in the second half. Those intentions were blocked by Haliburton, who played 17 minutes in the second half and led the Pacers in assists and rebounds after the break.
It’s the NBA Finals, after all. After Game 5, Haliburton remarked, “Dude, it’s the finals.” I want to compete because I’ve worked my entire life to get here. In any way I can, I support my teammates. Even though I wasn’t very good tonight, I didn’t actually consider not playing here. I want to play if I can walk. They know that. Furthermore, it is what it is. You have to be prepared for Game 6.
Wednesday is the Pacers’ practice day. Carlisle stated that it will mostly consist of a walkthrough and meeting.
