Indiana Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Out for Rest of NBA Finals with Severe Leg Injury
In a stunning development, league sources have revealed that Tyrese Haliburton will miss the remainder of the NBA Finals due to a leg injury sustained during Game 5 . The news, first reported via social media and later confirmed by league insiders, deals a devastating blow to the Indiana Pacers’ championship hopes.
Haliburton, 25, aggravated a calf injury in the opening minutes of Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite briefly exiting for treatment, he returned to the court but struggled mightily, finishing with just four points—all from free throws—in 34 minutes, and failing to make a single field goal . His limited effectiveness coincided with Indiana’s 120–109 loss, which put Oklahoma City ahead 3–2 in the series .
An MRI conducted on Tuesday confirmed a right calf strain, believed to be serious enough to sideline him for the rest of the Finals . NBA insider Shams Charania noted that “if this were the regular season, or even the first round, there’s doubt he would play” further emphasizing the severity of his condition .
Head coach Rick Carlisle expressed support for Haliburton’s commitment, stating the guard was determined to compete “if he can walk” but acknowledged the team was “evaluating everything” . Without their floor general, the Pacers are expected to turn to veteran guard T.J. McConnell, who poured in 18 points off the bench in Game 5, as the backup takes on a pivotal role.
Haliburton has been a driving force behind Indiana’s playoff run, averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds over 21 postseason games . Yet without him, the team faces an uphill battle. Oklahoma City heads to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Thursday, just one win shy of the franchise’s first NBA title since 1979 .
—
This significant injury not only shifts the momentum in favor of the Thunder but also alters Indiana’s Final strategy entirely—Game 6 will likely be a defining blow.
