Pacers Face Must-Win Game 6 Without Key Player Haliburton
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Pacers enter a pivotal Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, grappling with the potential absence of their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Following a right calf strain confirmed during Wednesday’s media session, Haliburton underwent an MRI to assess the injury’s severity and will be a game-time decision.
Head Coach Rick Carlisle indicated that Haliburton’s condition would be evaluated later on Thursday, emphasizing the team’s need to prepare for a possible game without him. Haliburton expressed a desire to play despite acknowledging that his injury would typically require one to two weeks of recovery during the regular season. “I’m a competitor. I want to play,” he stated, underscoring his determination to contribute.
In the event Haliburton cannot play, Pacers players, including T.J. McConnell, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, are ready to step up, calling on their squad’s depth to mitigate his loss. McConnell highlighted the importance of team effort, having scored 18 points in Game 5, while Turner expressed confidence in backups, saying, “Somebody like Johnny Furphy can step up.”
Carlisle remains optimistic, recalling last year’s comeback against the New York Knicks from a 3-2 series deficit. The countdown to tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with fans gearing up to support their team in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
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