In what can determine the fate of the 2025 NBA crown, the Indiana Pacers will lock horns with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. Currently, it is the Thunder who hold a 3-2 lead over the Pacers. To make matters worse, two-time NBA All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton might be out of the equation.
Monday’s loss for the Pacers came with a hefty cost as Haliburton was knocked out with a lower right leg injury. He continued playing but was ineffective as the Thunder ran away with the clash. In an interview, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle dropped a major hint that Haliburton might be out for Game 6.
T.J. McConnell Is All Set to Rumble if He Is Needed in Place of Tyrese Haliburton
The absence of Tyrese Haliburton could be massive for the Indiana Pacers. However, in a top-flight league, injuries are common, and teams must navigate all possible challenges to reach the crown. That is exactly where heroes are born. If Haliburton doesn’t make it to Game 6, the best option for Carlisle will likely be T.J. McConnell.
In an interview with NBA TV, McConnell opened up on his preparations ahead of the game. He said he is putting full trust in his coach. McConnell also said that if he doesn’t get a chance to play, he’s still going to work harder. When asked about a comparison to LeBron James, McConnell didn’t hesitate in giving the nod to the King.
“As a bench player, role player, just be prepared for anything.”
“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear. Rick is a Hall of Fame coach.”
“Asinine. … It’s LeBron. Really no comparison.”Pacers guard T.J. McConnell on possibility of starting Game 6 as Tyrese Haliburton (calf) is… pic.twitter.com/k6p2oj23kz
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 18, 2025
McConnell said, “It’s give everything that you have. That’s what all of us are going to do. We are not going to leave anything to chance. We’re going to give everything that we have. We have no other choice. I trust Rick wholeheartedly with his substitutions. Let’s make one thing perfectly clear, Rick is a Hall of Fame coach.”
“He knows what he is doing and we all have the utmost faith in his rotations, his X’s and O’s. We all love him. That’s the bottom line.”
McConnell added, “I’m just going to put my head down and go to work. I think coaches in this league have a tough job. You can’t please everybody. Sometimes you are the odd man out. You could put your head down and sulk about it or you could put your head down and go to work. I chose the latter.”
When asked about a comparison to LeBron in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, McConnell said, “Asinine. I am pretty sure that was LeBron. When they posted that performance, he won the game, I think. It’s LeBron. So really no comparison.”
McConnell has been sensational throughout the playoffs. Thanks to his incredible rally, the Pacers cut an 18-point deficit to just two in the second half of Game 5. Carlisle has already pointed out that, depending on the situation, he’s willing to give more game time to McConnell.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Latest Injury Update
Earlier in an interview with 107.5 The Fan, Carlisle said Haliburton is going to be a game-time decision. On the official injury report, Haliburton is listed as questionable. According to an anonymous source, he will be evaluated carefully for 36 hours.
On Tuesday, he had an MRI on his right leg. Carlisle confirmed that there is no certainty yet about his status. Haliburton did go through the full 30-minute walkthrough practice for the Pacers on Wednesday and also completed a 25-minute film session. He confirmed that he has a right leg strain.
Strains are tricky. These types of injuries tend to improve over time, but if pushed too soon, they could lead to longer-term problems. The Pacers will likely wait until the last moment before making a final decision.
