Tyrese Haliburton is ready to do what it takes to play in the Indiana Pacers' must-win Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
"I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions," Haliburton said Wednesday, according to ESPN. "But I'm a competitor. I want to play. I'm going to do everything in my power to play."
Haliburton has been dealing with a lower leg injury in the Finals, but it worsened in Game 5 after he tried to drive on Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren. He left the contest to receive treatment but struggled to leave an impact offensively, missing all six of his field goal attempts. The 25-year-old confirmed Wednesday that he's suffering from a right calf strain.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said that the star guard participated in a limited walkthrough, according to NBA TV. Carlisle said earlier Wednesday that the team would have a better idea of Haliburton's status before Game 6 on Thursday.
"He is going to be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable on the injury report and probably will be a game-time decision for Game 6," Carlisle told the 107.5 The Fan.
Carlisle added that the team may need to give reserve guard T.J. McConnell "significantly more minutes" depending on Haliburton's status. McConnell stepped up in Game 5, recording 13 points in the third quarter as part of an 18-point effort.
Indiana is down 3-2 in the NBA Finals and will need to win both games to capture its first championship.
