The Indiana Pacers are making ready for the potential of not having Tyrese Haliburton out there to play in Recreation 6 of the NBA Finals, coach Rick Carlisle stated in a radio interview on Wednesday morning.
Haliburton has been coping with a decrease proper leg harm all through the sequence and it worsened throughout Monday’s Recreation 5 loss in Indianapolis. Haliburton performed by means of it for many of his 34 minutes, however didn’t make a subject aim within the sport and Indiana misplaced to Oklahoma Metropolis 120-109 — falling behind 3-2 within the title sequence.
Now going through a win-or-else situation, there’s a likelihood Haliburton doesn’t play in Recreation 6 on Thursday.
“He’s going to be fastidiously evaluated over the subsequent 36 hours and can doubtless be listed as questionable on the harm report and possibly can be a game-time choice for Recreation 6,” Carlisle stated on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan.
Haliburton, a part of the workforce that gained Olympic gold in Paris for USA Basketball final 12 months, was present process analysis Tuesday to find out the extent of the harm. A part of that analysis was an MRI examination, in line with an individual with information of the matter who spoke on situation of anonymity to The Related Press as a result of neither Haliburton nor the workforce revealed that publicly. ESPN first reported that an MRI was scheduled.
After Recreation 5, Carlisle didn’t particularly say that the MRI could be a part of the workforce’s subsequent strikes in determining how finest to proceed with Haliburton, although made clear that the Jap Convention champions could be taking a detailed take a look at the harm. On condition that it’s evidently a muscular harm, an MRI is a part of the standard analysis course of.
[Related: One Win Away! OKC on Verge of NBA Finals Title; Can The Pacers Respond?]
“We now have to arrange for 2 situations — one the place he performs and one the place he doesn’t,” Carlisle stated within the radio interview.
If Haliburton can not play, it will appear doubtless that the Pacers would promote guard TJ McConnell to a beginning function. McConnell has been sensible all through these playoffs and sparked a rally the place Indiana closed an 18-point deficit to a two-point distinction within the second half of Recreation 5, earlier than Oklahoma Metropolis pulled away once more and for good.
“Relying on the state of affairs tomorrow, we might have him for considerably extra minutes,” Carlisle stated of McConnell.
Haliburton left Recreation 5 late within the first quarter and returned to the bench space with a wrap on his decrease leg. He not solely returned to the sport, he performed 34 minutes — however did so whereas lacking all six of his pictures and with him barely seeking to shoot in any respect within the second half. He completed the sport with seven rebounds and 6 assists, however solely 4 factors.
The Pacers must depend on TJ McConnell in Recreation 6, although to what diploma will depend on the well being of Tyrese Haliburton. (Picture by William Purnell/Getty Photographs)
It was the primary time in Haliburton’s profession that he logged not less than 34 minutes and didn’t make a single subject aim.
The Pacers, Carlisle stated, mentioned not letting Haliburton play within the second half. Haliburton vetoed these plans and performed 17 minutes within the second half, main the Pacers in rebounds and assists after intermission.
“I imply, it’s the NBA Finals. It’s the finals, man,” Haliburton stated after Recreation 5. “I’ve labored my entire life to be right here and I need to be on the market to compete. Assist my teammates any means I can. I used to be not nice tonight by any means, but it surely’s not likely a considered mine to not play right here. If I can stroll, then I need to play. They perceive that. And it’s what it’s. Acquired to be able to go for Recreation 6.”
The Pacers are scheduled to follow Wednesday. It would largely be a gathering and walk-through session, Carlisle stated.
Recreation 6 of the NBA Finals can be performed on Thursday night time at 8:30 pm ET, in Indianapolis.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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Tyrese Haliburton
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