Already on the point of elimination, the Pacers’ NBA Finals outlook simply obtained even worse.
Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton is believed to have suffered a strained proper calf, and he’ll endure an MRI examination to find out the severity of the harm, in accordance with a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania Tuesday.
Haliburton’s standing for Recreation 6 on Thursday in Indiana is unknown till the crew will get the outcomes of the MRI, which Charania mentioned will enable the Pacers to “huddle and map out exactly what the plan will be going into Game 6.”
Haliburton, 25, performed via the harm within the second half of Monday’s 120-109 loss to the Thunder in Recreation 5 of the NBA Finals, after he exited to the locker room early within the recreation and returned within the second quarter together with his calf wrapped.
Nonetheless, his output was considerably diminished – Haliburton scored simply 4 factors and went 0-for-6 from the sphere because the Pacers misplaced their second straight recreation and fell right into a 3-2 collection deficit.
It marked the quietest recreation of the playoffs for the purpose guard, who has been the first catalyst for Indiana’s magical run to the Finals, averaging 17.9 factors, 9.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds in 21 playoff video games.
After Recreation 5, Haliburton indicated he would do every thing in his energy to play Recreation 6.
“It’s the Finals,” he mentioned. “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.”
With Haliburton battling the harm, the Pacers will want big-time efforts from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and the remainder of their deep rotation in Recreation 6 to remain alive and power a Recreation 7 in Oklahoma Metropolis.
