BREAKING NEWS: Tyrese Haliburton Expected to Miss Game 7 of NBA Finals on Sunday Amid Chronic Right Calf Injury.
In a stunning blow to the Indiana Pacers’ title hopes, All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is now expected to miss the highly anticipated Game 7 of the NBA Finals due to a chronic right calf injury, team sources confirmed Friday morning.
The 24-year-old floor general has been battling discomfort in his right calf throughout the Finals, and though he valiantly played through pain in Games 4 through 6, the injury has reportedly worsened, forcing the team to sideline him ahead of Sunday’s championship-deciding matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“It’s an incredibly tough decision,” head coach Rick Carlisle said during a brief media session Friday. “Tyrese has been the heart of our team all season. But we also have to prioritize his long-term health. He’s been pushing through discomfort, and it’s reached a point where playing him would carry serious risk.”
Haliburton first sustained the injury during the Eastern Conference Finals but managed to return after missing Game 3 of that series. He showed flashes of brilliance throughout the Finals but was clearly limited. His movement was visibly labored during stretches of Game 5, where he logged just 22 minutes and finished with four points and five assists. In Game 6, though he managed 14 points and 5 assists in a strong team performance, medical staff noted increased inflammation following the game.
Pacers’ Cinderella Run Faces Its Toughest Test
The Indiana Pacers have been the surprise story of the 2024–2025 NBA season. After finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference, the team surged through the playoffs, dispatching title favorites like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics on their path to the Finals. Haliburton played a pivotal role in that run, averaging 20.1 points and 10.7 assists per game in the postseason before his injury began to take a toll.
Game 7 is set to take place in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder have been nearly unbeatable throughout the postseason. Without Haliburton orchestrating the offense, the Pacers face a daunting challenge against a young and hungry Thunder squad led by MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Next Man Up” Mentality
While Haliburton’s absence is a significant setback, the Pacers are embracing a team-first mentality heading into Game 7.
“We’ve been here before,” veteran forward Pascal Siakam said. “We’ve had guys step up all year when we needed them. It’s going to take all of us.”
Backup point guards T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard are expected to share the bulk of the ball-handling responsibilities. Both have proven to be capable contributors, but replacing Haliburton’s court vision and leadership will be a tall order.
In Game 6, the Pacers leaned on their bench to spark a dominant second-quarter run, outscoring the Thunder 30–9 and never looking back en route to a 108–91 win. That level of defensive intensity and teamwork will need to carry over to Sunday if they hope to make history.
Long-Term Implications for Haliburton
There is growing concern within the organization that Haliburton’s calf issue may linger into the offseason. While early indications suggest rest and rehabilitation could be sufficient, team doctors are reportedly considering further evaluations to rule out a more serious underlying condition.
The injury raises questions about Haliburton’s long-term durability, especially after a breakout season where he earned All-NBA honors and led the league in assists for much of the year.
Tip-Off Approaches
Game 7 of the NBA Finals tips off Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. All eyes will be on whether the Pacers can overcome the loss of their star playmaker and whether this young Indiana squad can complete one of the most improbable title runs in NBA history.
For now, the basketball world holds its breath as the Pacers prepare for the ultimate challenge—without their leader on the court.
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