Just when the Indiana Pacers needed to ride their momentum into Game 4, an unexpected twist threatened to shake up their NBA Finals run. The Pacers’ finally broke through with a crucial win in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it came with a hidden cost.
After the victory, head coach Rick Carlisle delivered a worrying update about Myles Turner’s health. As the Pacers gear up to protect home court again on Friday, questions around Turner’s availability are becoming harder to ignore.
Rick Carlisle Confirms Myles Turner Battling Illness After Gritty Game 3 Win
The Pacers pulled off a thrilling 116-107 win in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead over the Thunder. But after the game, Pacers insider Alex Golden revealed that Myles Turner has been battling more than just playoff pressure.
“Myles has been under the weather. He might not be with us tomorrow, but he has been dealing with a cold and making it harder to breathe,” Golden posted on X, attributing the quote to head coach Rick Carlisle.
The update came as a surprise, given Turner still logged 30 minutes and contributed nine points, two rebounds, and one assist in the victory. But the bigger concern now isn’t his Game 3 stats – it’s whether he’ll be on the floor at all in Game 4.
Rick Carlisle on Myles Turner:
“Myles has been under the weather. He might not be with us tomorrow, been dealing with a cold and making it harder to breathe.”
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) June 12, 2025
Carlisle’s comment that “he might not be with us tomorrow” strongly suggests Turner’s condition has worsened. And given how physically demanding this Thunder series has been, any breathing issue, let alone one caused by illness, could sideline the big man during a crucial stretch.
Turner’s Illness Threatens Pacers’ Game 4 Plans Amid NBA Finals Run
Turner’s potential absence is more than just a lineup change. His two-way impact is too important to lose. He’s been one of the Pacers’ most consistent performers throughout the 2025 playoffs, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks across 19 games.
Turner anchors the Pacers’ defense as one of the league’s best rim protectors and stretch fives. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc spreads the floor, giving Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam more space to operate.
Against a Thunder team loaded with creators – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren – Turner’s rim protection has been vital in disrupting their constant motion and inside attacks.
What makes the situation even tougher is that Turner’s health concern emerged just as the Pacers found their rhythm. The Pacers entered the fourth quarter of Game 3 down five points and then exploded, outscoring Oklahoma City 32-18 in the final period.
Haliburton led the way with 22 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, with Siakam adding 21 and Bennedict Mathurin torching the Thunder off the bench for 27.
But the energy Turner brings on both ends is not easily replaced. His leadership has been just as important as his numbers. “I’m a loyal guy,” Turner recently told Yahoo Sports. “It’s always kind of been my calling card, I wanted to finish what I started.” And this playoff run has felt like the culmination of everything he’s been building in Indiana.
MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft Following Shocking Lottery Results
If he’s ruled out of Game 4, expect Siakam to shoulder even more offensive and rebounding duties. Obi Toppin will likely see an expanded role, too, especially in transition and help defense. However, neither can fully replicate what Turner brings.
With Game 4 tipping off Friday, June 13, in Indianapolis, all eyes will be on the Pacers’ injury report. Turner’s presence or absence could be the turning point in this tightly contested NBA Finals.
