Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury and Off Night Leave Pacers in Trouble Heading Into Game 6, Here’s the Latest Fitness Update!

Akash Vaishnav

Last updated: June 18, 2025

2 min read

A crucial game, a surprise injury, and one of the worst performances this season, it couldn’t have gone worse for Indiana’s star

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers may be facing a major crisis after Tyrese Haliburton picked up a worrying calf injury during the NBA Finals clash. He was injured in the first quarter of the NBA Finals game after landing awkwardly on his right foot.

The injury appeared to target the exact area where Haliburton had previously reported ongoing discomfort earlier in the series. Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle also confirmed that the 25-year-old was experiencing discomfort at his foot area. There is growing speculation that this could be a recurrence of the same calf issue that sidelined the guard in the previous season.

Haliburton spent a significant portion of the first quarter off the court, tending to his leg with the medical team. He was also seen using ice packs on the sidelines. This eventually reduced the swelling and the point guard came back to the court in the second quarter. He was able to finish the game 5.

"I was not great tonight by any means, but… if I can walk then I wanna play."

Tyrese Haliburton speaks on the status of his injury sustained in Game 5 of the #NBAFinals. pic.twitter.com/DOMCaEoIer
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 17, 2025

ESPN journalist Shams Charania has suggested that the severity of the injury cannot be determined yet. An MRI scan will determine the true extent of Haliburton’s injury, and only then can the Pacers outline their approach for NBA Finals Game 6.

He said, “Once the Pacers and Haliburton get the results back on this MRI, on that calf strain, they’re going to be able to identify the severity and then huddle and map out exactly what the plan will be going into Game 6.”

Tyrese Haliburton’s Struggles Complicate Pacers’ NBA Finals Hopes

Tyrese Haliburton had one of his worst nights this season as OKC Thunder registered a crucial win in game 5. Haliburton’s offensive game collapsed as he finished with just four points in one of his poorest performances this season.

The 25-year-old failed to register a single field goal, missing all six of his attempts in a cold shooting night. His three point record was 0-4 and the four points he scored in the game were from the free throws. OKC Thunder sealed a 120-109 win and now head to Indianapolis with a commanding 3-2 lead heading into a pivotal Game 6.

Indiana Pacers

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OKC Thunder

Tyrese Haliburton

Akash Vaishnav

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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.