Tyrese Haliburton, despite dealing with a strained right calf that cast doubt over his availability for Game 6 of the NBA Finals, continues to keep the basketball world in suspense.
“If I can walk, then I want to play,” Haliburton declared Monday, after aggravating his calf in Game 5—a game where his performance was clearly hampered during the Indiana Pacers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. That loss has the Pacers trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
As Game 6 looms on Thursday, June 19, Haliburton said he’s driven by competition but remains realistic about his health. “I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions…” he admitted.
Some skeptics think Haliburton may be playing mind games to keep the Thunder guessing. His coach added that Haliburton will likely be a game-time decision. But behind the scenes, doctors say the process is anything but simple.
“Even an ankle sprain can trigger hours of discussion,” explained Dr. Brian Cole, head physician for the Chicago Bulls since 2005. “We’re talking multiple X-rays, MRIs, input from trainers, family, agents—it’s a multi-layered conversation. Especially during a pivotal time like this.”
And there’s good reason for caution. The Pacers are chasing their first-ever NBA championship. Doing it without their All-Star point guard feels almost impossible.
Dr. Robert Anderson, a member of the NBA’s ankle sprain research committee and team orthopedist for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, said Haliburton likely won’t suit up without first consulting his agent.
“When an MRI is done—which in this case, it was—it usually gets reviewed by two outside consultants,” Anderson said. “Then comes the risk analysis: How bad is it, what could happen if he plays, and does the benefit outweigh the danger?”
“It becomes a business decision, too,” he added.
The Role of Pain and Legacy
The conversation about Haliburton’s return inevitably invokes stories of grit—like Willis Reed’s legendary walk onto the court during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. With an injured leg, Reed’s determination helped the Knicks clinch the title against the Lakers. It’s a timeless moment in NBA lore, and whether fair or not, comparisons are surfacing.
“Pain is a part of sports,” said Dr. Cole. “It comes down to what the athlete can tolerate and whether their mechanics are breaking down in dangerous ways.”
Dr. William McGarvey, former orthopedic consultant for the Houston Rockets, stressed the complexity. Haliburton is a dynamic force, averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in the playoffs.
“If he’s just distributing the ball or jumping in a controlled manner, it’s manageable,” McGarvey said. “But if he’s elevating for a dunk or competing mid-air with another player, that’s risky. A bad landing could cause serious damage.”
He added, “You also have to consider how the strain is manifesting. Is it just pain on push-off? Or does he feel spasms and cramps even when resting? That changes everything.”
Treatment Time—Or Lack Thereof
Athletic trainer Keith Jones, who’s worked with teams like the Orlando Magic, Clippers, and Rockets, laid out what typical recovery looks like for a muscle strain.
“Normally you want seven days of light activity, followed by reassessment,” he said.
The Pacers, however, have less than 72 hours between Game 5 and Game 6.
Jones emphasized the importance of hands-on therapy—massages, muscle manipulation, and lots of ice.
“You want to keep the leg elevated, reduce inflammation, maybe even put the player in a boot to avoid stress. The key is rest,” he said. “Anti-inflammatories help, but healing can’t be rushed. You can only create a better environment for it to happen.”
Dr. Cole agreed, saying there’s no miracle fix for a muscle strain.
“If it’s truly a muscle—not tendon—injury, it takes time,” he said. “There’s no injection, no pill, no hyperbaric chamber that speeds that up. The question is: how bad is the damage, and is he naturally a fast healer?”
Haliburton’s Intensive Recovery Efforts
Haliburton knows what’s on the line and is doing everything in his power to return.
“I think it’s around-the-clock stuff,” he said. “Massage, acupuncture, hyperbaric therapy, electrical stimulation—everything to get as close to comfortable as possible. I’m trusting the professionals, doing everything I can.”
He’s also using special taping and equipment while performing, hoping to find just enough support to compete.
The Durant Precedent—and the Risk
No story about calf injuries in the Finals would be complete without a mention of Kevin Durant. In the 2019 playoffs, Durant missed nine games with a calf issue, only to return in Game 5 with the Warriors facing elimination.
Just minutes into the second quarter, Durant tore his Achilles—a devastating injury that sidelined him for 18 months.
That memory isn’t lost on Haliburton, the Pacers, or anyone watching.
With the team chasing a historic title, the stakes have never been higher. But the decision to play may not come down to courage—it may come down to caution.
