The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of their first NBA Finals berth since 2000, but their hopes hang on the health of superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton. The All-Star has been nursing a nagging hamstring injury since Game 4 and was clearly limited in Game 5, scoring just 13 points with 6 assists and visibly favoring his leg. With the series standing at 3–2 in Indiana’s favor, Game 6 looms as a defining moment. Head coach Rick Carlisle said Haliburton is “day-to-day,” but added, “We’re not risking his long-term health—he has a future beyond one series.” T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard are expected to take on bigger ball-handling roles if Haliburton is ruled out. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner emphasized the need for a collective effort, calling on the home crowd to deliver playoff-level energy. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are preparing aggressively, with Jalen Brunson aiming to exploit any backcourt weakness. Haliburton, who averaged 21.7 PPG during the season, has become Indiana’s engine. “We want to win, no matter who’s on the floor,” said Siakam. Still, all eyes remain on Haliburton’s status as Game 6 approaches. A win sends the Pacers to history; a loss sends the series back to MSG.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Game 6 Status in Doubt as Pacers Try to Finish Off Knicks
By Mikesportz
