The NBA Finals may hinge on one right leg.
Specifically, the right calf of Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered another injury or re-aggravated a previous one – Haliburton said after Game 5 he is not sure which – in Indiana’s 120-109 loss to Oklahoma City on Monday, June 16.
On Tuesday, ESPN reported that Haliburton is believed to have a strained right calf and will have an MRI.
Haliburton fell while driving to the basket in the opening quarter and came up holding his right calf. He went to the locker room, but returned in the second quarter. He scored just four points and didn’t make a basket – both career playoff lows.
While it’s unclear how much – if at all – the leg injury is affecting his shooting, one thing is clear. The Pacers must have Haliburton’s offense to win the championship. And they have to win Game 6 in Indianapolis to force a decisive Game 7.
Will he be able to play in Game 6 on Thursday, June 19?
“He’s not at a hundred percent,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after Game 5. “It’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game. We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing.”
Haliburton was more forceful in his reply: “It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can.
“I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. … Got to be ready to go for Game 6.”
Will Tyrese Haliburton play in NBA Finals Game 6?
Tyrese Haliburton and coach Rick Carlisle said after Game 5 that the Pacers guard would play. However, Carlisle also said they would monitor Haliburton and “evaluate everything with Tyrese.”
When will we know if Tyrese Haliburton is playing in NBA Finals Game 6?
The team could make a formal announcement any time, but the final injury report is due Thursday.
When is NBA Finals Game 6?
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 on Thursday, June 19.
Where is NBA Finals Game 6?
The game is at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
What time is NBA Finals Game 6?
Game 6 is at 8:30 p.m. ET.
What channel is broadcasting NBA Finals Game 6?
ABC will carry Game 6.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyrese Haliburton injury: Report says he may have strained calf
