The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday with a chance to clinch the series and win the championship on the road.
Of course, the Thunder were able to take a 3-2 series lead on their home court in Game 5 on Monday night behind an incredible defensive performance by their rotation along with historic performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8)
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Jalen Williams (8)
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Now Oklahoma City looks to clinch the series with a victory on the road in Indianapolis on Thursday night to cap off their dominant season with a championship.
While the Thunder can win the title on Thursday night, the headline entering the game is the health of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.
Indiana has listed Haliburton as questionable for Game 6 due to a right calf strain that he suffered in the first quarter of Game 5 on Monday night.
Haliburton was able to return to Monday’s game but he did not look like his normal self as he missed all six field goals that he attempted and ended the matchup with only four points.
Ahead of Game 6, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided a massive update for Haliburton as he told Pat McAfee that he expects the star point guard to be available on Thursday night.
“He’s fully intending to be out there tonight. He’s going to gut it out,” Charania said.
This is massive news for the Pacers, especially after head coach Rick Carlisle told the media on Wednesday that the team was preparing to be without Haliburton on Thursday night.
Of course, Haliburton has stated multiple times since suffering his injury that he plans to play, especially with Indiana having their backs against the wall on their home court with their season on the line.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton operates with the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort defends during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton operates with the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort defends during Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While Charania did say that Haliburton will play on Thursday, the Pacers have yet to make an official announcement regarding the situation but it is likely that Indiana’s star will be available as they try to keep their season alive.