Mon Jun 23 00:20:00 UTC 2025: **Pacers’ Haliburton Vows to Fight Through Calf Strain for Must-Win Game 6**
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton confirmed Wednesday he is battling a right calf strain, casting a shadow over the Pacers’ chances in Thursday’s critical Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Facing elimination, Haliburton insisted he will do “everything in my power” to play, despite the diagnosis confirmed by an MRI on Tuesday.
“I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions,” Haliburton said. “But I’m a competitor. I want to play.”
The Pacers, however, are preparing for the possibility of being without their floor general. Coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that Haliburton will undergo testing Thursday afternoon to determine his availability. “He’ll go through the day tomorrow,” Carlisle said. “They’ll get together and do some testing. That will determine whether he plays or not. If he doesn’t play, we have a plan, obviously, if we’re without him.”
Haliburton participated in Wednesday’s practice, but his involvement was limited to film study, a walk-through, and light, stationary shooting. The team has officially listed him as questionable for Game 6.
Haliburton is undergoing intensive treatment, including hyperbaric chambers, needles, massage, electronic stimulation, and specialized taping, in an attempt to heal the strained muscle. “I have a lot of trust in our medical staff,” Haliburton stated, expressing confidence in the organization’s decision-making.
The injury worsened during Monday’s Game 5 loss, where Haliburton, visibly hampered, failed to score a single field goal in 34 minutes. He had been dealing with a lower right leg injury throughout the series, further complicating the situation.
If Haliburton is unable to play, guard T.J. McConnell is expected to step into the starting lineup. McConnell has been a sparkplug for the Pacers throughout the playoffs, notably leading a near-comeback in Game 5. “He is another ball handler, someone that can get us to our spots, push the pace,” said forward Pascal Siakam. “He played great last game. He is going to be huge for us going forward too.”
Despite the uncertainty, Haliburton’s teammates remain optimistic. “We got soldiers on this team,” said Obi Toppin. “We’re going to try to play through any type of injuries or anything. Ty is a soldier. He’s most likely going to be good. We don’t know yet.”
Haliburton has averaged 15.0 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds in the series so far. The Pacers will need a collective effort regardless of Haliburton’s status as they fight to extend their season against the Thunder.
**(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)**
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