It is do or die for the Indiana Pacers as they trail 3-2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Their chances of forcing a Game 7 will, in part, depend on the health of Tyrese Haliburton, who sustained a strained right calf following their Game 5 loss on Monday. 

However, Haliburton isn't giving in and plans to play in the critical Game 6 on Thursday night in Indianapolis, per The Pat McAfee Show. 

“Tyrese Haliburton has every intention of playing tonight,” ESPN NBA writer Shams Charania said to McAfee. “He's fully intending to be out there tonight.” 

Up to this point, Haliburton has been the Pacers ace. He is averaging 15 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game against the Thunder. 

Already, Haliburton established a place in NBA lore with his Game 1 buzzer-beater that shocked everyone. During this postseason, Haliburton averaged 18. 6 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game over a 20-game stretch. 

His ability to perform in the clutch has garnered praise, as well as echoes of Reggie Miller from the past. There is no question that he is a valuable presence for the Pacers, and there would be no better clutch moment than rallying his team to the title. 

So, will he be helping or hurting?

Article Continues Below
More Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) brings the ball up court against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the third quarter in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Tyrese Haliburton warm-up video will excite Pacers fans before Game 6Lorenzo J Reyna ·
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
How Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin went viral before NBA Finals Game 6 even startedZachary Weinberger ·
Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) dunks the ball as Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks on in the first quarter during game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center
Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein’s ‘desperation’ take before Game 6 vs PacersJosue Pavon ·
Atlanta Hawks, Dyson Daniels, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA Finals
Dyson Daniels gets real on Thunder-Pacers NBA FinalsTomer Azarly ·
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrate during the second half of game five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Stephen A. Smith sends warning to NBA even if Pacers lose FinalsJoey Mistretta ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight? Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Game 6 injury reportRishav Bhat ·

The risks and rewards of Tyrese Haliburton in Game 6

In addition to rising to the occasion, Haliburton is a dynamic playmaker and leader for the Pacers. 

He can get the best out of his players, and his being on the floor helps provide a boost in confidence. As a playmaker, his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and himself is a significant factor in the Pacer's success. 

Plus, the hometown crowd at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse can play a role in getting him to be at his best. 

On the other hand, he could run the risk of further injury, the Thunder's offense could take advantage of his hobbled status, and his overall play could be significantly limited.