Pacers on Alert: Haliburton Doubtful for Game 6 of the NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers are in a delicate situation as they prepare for game six of the NBA Finals. The possible absence of their star, Tyrese Haliburton, is the main concern, as revealed by coach Rick Carlisle in a radio interview this Wednesday. Haliburton’s availability is uncertain due to a right calf strain, an injury that has been affecting the player during the series. The situation worsened during the fifth game, where Haliburton played with the injury for most of his 34 minutes on the court, but failed to score a single field goal. With the Pacers down 3-2 in the series, the team faces a “win or go home” scenario, increasing uncertainty about Haliburton’s participation in the next game.Haliburton will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Faced with this situation, coach Carlisle has stated that the team is preparing for two scenarios: one in which Haliburton can play and one in which he cannot. In the event that Haliburton is unable to play, T.J. McConnell, who has performed outstandingly during the playoffs, is expected to take on a starting role. McConnell was key in the team’s comeback in the fifth game, where the Pacers reduced an 18-point deficit to just two.It will be carefully evaluated in the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable in the injury report, a decision that will be made just before game 6.
Rick Carlisle
Haliburton, visibly affected, left the fifth game in the first quarter. Despite conversations for him not to play in the second half, the player returned and led the team in rebounds and assists after the break. However, he barely attempted shots, marking the first time in his career that he played at least 34 minutes without scoring a single field goal.Depending on tomorrow’s situation, we might need him to play significantly more minutes.
Rick Carlisle
After the second game, Haliburton had already shown problems, limping due to a right ankle injury. In the fifth game, he acknowledged that the injury was in the “same area.” In the first five games of the series, Haliburton averages 15.0 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, with 45% shooting efficiency. The Pacers have a practice session scheduled for Wednesday, focusing on meetings and light exercises.It’s the NBA Finals. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to compete. I want to help my teammates in any way I can. I wasn’t great tonight, but it doesn’t cross my mind not to play. If I can walk, I want to play. They understand. And it is what it is. You have to be ready for Game 6.
Tyrese Haliburton
