The injury, sustained during the first quarter of Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, forced Tyrese Haliburton to briefly exit the game before returning with his calf heavily wrapped.

Despite his determination to stay on the floor, Haliburton was visibly hampered, finishing the 120–109 loss with just four points, six assists, and seven rebounds in 34 minutes—his lowest scoring output of the postseason and the first time in these playoffs he failed to make a field goal.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Haliburton was scheduled for an MRI to determine the exact severity of the strain. Charania emphasized that if this were the regular season or even the first round of the playoffs, Haliburton would likely be sidelined.

The strain is particularly concerning as it affects the same leg where Haliburton experienced ankle soreness just a week prior. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged after Game 5 that Haliburton was not at full strength, but the All-NBA guard remains adamant about playing in Game 6, telling reporters, “If I can walk, then I want to play.”

Impact on the Pacers and the NBA Finals

Haliburton’s injury could not have come at a more critical juncture. The Pacers now trail the Thunder 3–2 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 set for Thursday night in Indianapolis.

Oklahoma City needs just one more win to clinch the championship, and Indiana’s hopes of forcing a decisive Game 7 rest heavily on their floor general’s availability and effectiveness.

Throughout the Finals, Haliburton has averaged 15.0 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field. His playmaking and leadership have been instrumental in Indiana’s postseason run, and his absence or diminished capacity would leave a significant void.

The Pacers’ offense, built around Haliburton’s ability to create off the dribble and facilitate for teammates, struggled in Game 5 as he labored through the injury, going 0-for-6 from the field and often limping between possessions.

Game 6 and beyond

The Pacers’ medical staff and coaching team are awaiting the results of Haliburton’s MRI to finalize their approach for Game 6. Typically, a Grade 1 calf strain would sideline a player for 7–10 days, but with the NBA Finals on the line, Haliburton is pushing to play through the pain.

His determination has become a rallying point for the team, but the risk of aggravating the injury further cannot be ignored, as calf strains can escalate into more severe muscle damage if not properly managed.

As the Pacers prepare for a must-win game, all eyes will be on Haliburton’s status. His presence on the court, even at less than 100%, could be a difference-maker, but Indiana’s championship hopes now hinge on both his resilience and the team’s ability to adapt if he is limited.