Tyrese Haliburton suffered the calf strain in Game 5, visibly struggling with his movement and finishing the night with just four points, seven rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes—a far cry from his usual production.

He was seen limping and was unable to make a field goal, going 0-for-6 from the floor. After the game, an MRI confirmed the right calf strain, and insiders reported that if this were the regular season, Haliburton would likely be sidelined for at least a week or two.

Despite the pain, Haliburton’s determination is clear. “I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. That’s just what it is,” he told reporters, underscoring his commitment to the team’s championship push.

However, his activity in practice has been limited to film study, walkthroughs, and light, flat-footed shooting, raising questions about how close he is to game readiness.

Game 6 status: a true game-time decision

The Pacers have officially listed Haliburton as “questionable” for Game 6, with head coach Rick Carlisle confirming that his availability will be determined just hours before tip-off. Carlisle emphasized, “We will not really know for sure until late tomorrow afternoon or early evening,” highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the star guard’s status.

Medical experts say the decision to play through a calf strain is complex, involving input from trainers, doctors, and Haliburton’s own assessment of risk. While the Pacers are preparing contingency plans if Haliburton can’t go, his teammates remain hopeful.

“Ty is a soldier. He’s most likely going to be good. We don’t know yet,” said forward Obi Toppin.

Impact on the Pacers’ Finals hopes

Haliburton’s presence is crucial—Indiana is 60-34 with him this season, compared to just 4-5 without him. His leadership and playmaking have been vital in the Pacers’ first Finals run since 2000.

If he is able to suit up, even in a limited capacity, it could provide the emotional lift Indiana needs to force a Game 7. If not, the Pacers will have to rely on backup T.J. McConnell and a collective effort to keep their season alive.

As of now, there is no definitive timeline for Haliburton’s full recovery. The Pacers and their fans will be holding their breath until just before tip-off, hoping their star can deliver one more heroic performance on basketball’s biggest stage.