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T.J. McConnell T.J. McConnell chips in 12/9/6/4 line off bench
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 5:29 PM
T.J. McConnell provided a boost off the bench with 12 points (6-of-12 FGs), nine rebounds, six assists and four steals against the Thunder on Thursday.
Analysis: McConnell has been fantastic in this series, and this was arguably his best performance. He has averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.3 steals through the first six games of the Finals, and he has scored in double figures four times. He stepped up with Tyrese Haliburton (calf) not fully healthy, which allowed them to manage Haliburton's minutes. McConnell has been invaluable for the Pacers in this series, and they'll need him to continue to contribute on Sunday, especially if Haliburton's calf is still bothering him. |
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Obi Toppin Obi Toppin leads Pacers with 20 points in Game 6
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 5:25 PM
Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 20 points (6-of-12 FGs), six rebounds, two steals and four three-pointers against the Thunder in Game 6 on Thursday.
Analysis: Toppin continues to shine for Indiana. He has scored in double figures in six of their last eight games and in three straight, and his timing couldn't be any better. This was his second 20-point game of this postseason, with the other coming in Game 4 against the Cavs. Toppin has been at his best at home, but he has had some solid performances on the road, including in Games 1 and 5 of this series. If he can keep it up, the Pacers will have a strong chance of winning Game 7 on Sunday. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam tallies 16/13/3 line in Game 6 win
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 5:21 PM
Pascal Siakam recorded a double-double on Thursday with 16 points (6-of-14 FGs), 13 rebounds, three assists, one block and one three-pointer against the Thunder.
Analysis: After scoring at least 20 points in three straight games, Siakam didn't do as much scoring in Game 6, but he still made enough of an impact for Indiana to force a Game 7 on Sunday. This was his second double-double of the series and only his third of this postseason run, and the 13 rebounds were the most he's had in a game during these playoffs. Siakam will likely need to do more scoring on Sunday for the Pacers to win a ring on the road. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Haliburton (calf) logs 23 minutes, Pacers force G7
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 5:18 PM
Tyrese Haliburton logged 23 minutes on Thursday and contributed 14 points (5-of-12 FGs), one rebound, five assists, two steals and three three-pointers in a 108-91 win over the Thunder in Game 6.
Analysis: This game could not have gone any better for the Pacers. They took control in the second quarter and extended the lead after halftime, which allowed them to manage Haliburton's minutes. There were reports that if this were the regular season, Haliburton would likely be in line to miss multiple weeks. He showed incredible resilience by even suiting up, and while the numbers weren't eye-popping, he played really well in this game and hit some big shots to help them take a big lead. They'll continue to monitor his injury, but it would be shocking if he didn't play in Game 7 on Sunday with a championship on the line. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Haliburton (calf) will play in Game 6 vs. Thunder
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 12:55 PM
Tim MacMahon
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Tyrese Haliburton will play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder on Thursday.
Analysis: Carlisle said that Haliburton went through strength testing and did âvery well.â He also mentioned that there won't be a minutes restriction, but they will monitor Haliburton closely. Trips to the NBA Finals don't come around often, so it isn't surprising that Haliburton will play through the injury. We'll see if Haliburton's presence, along with the home crowd, is enough to force a Game 7. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Shams: Haliburton (calf) intending to play Game 6
Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 9:24 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tyrese Haliburton (calf) has every intention in playing in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
Analysis: Haliburton is currently listed as questionable with a right calf strain. The 25-year-old point guard participated in practice on Wednesday and is expected to go through a walkthrough ahead of Game 6 on Thursday. Charania said he was told Haliburton would miss multiple weeks if this were the regular season, but this game carries paramount importance as the Pacers are facing elimination in Game 6. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said earlier this week Haliburton would probably be a game-time decision. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Haliburton (calf) questionable for Game 6
Wed, Jun 18, 2025, 12:24 PM
Tony East
Tyrese Haliburton (calf) is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
Analysis: Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said during his availability that Haliburton would be questionable for Game 6, so the official designation is unsurprising. The star point guard suffered a strained right calf during the first half of Monday's Game 5 defeat. While Haliburton did his best to play through the injury, he lacked his usual burst and spent most of his time lingering on the perimeter. Even if Haliburton can play on Thursday, the Pacers will need more production from backup T.J. McConnell, who played well on Monday. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Shams: Haliburton believed to have strained calf
Tue, Jun 17, 2025, 9:01 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Tyrese Haliburton will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of what is believed to be a right calf strain.
Analysis: Haliburton downplayed the severity of the injury that was noticeably bothering him in Game 5 by saying that, because it's the NBA Finals, if he can walk, he'll play. Well, if he does half a strained calf, that could certainly keep him from walking. If there is any chance of Haliburton playing, he'll do it, but this an MRI isn't an optimistic update. Hopefully Charania's next report will have better news, but as of now, Indiana may have turn to T.J. McConnell for more minutes off the bench, with Andrew Nembhard sliding over to point guard in the starting unit. |
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Myles Turner Myles Turner scores 13 points in Game 5 defeat
Mon, Jun 16, 2025, 6:10 PM
Myles Turner accumulated 13 points (3-of-5 FGs, 6-of-7 FTs), six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one three-pointer in Monday's Game 5 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: After attempting at least 10 shots in each of the first four games of the series, Turner only took five in Game 5. While he isn't going to be a marquee offensive option for the Pacers, they need more from Turner, especially with Tyrese Haliburton (calf) injured. Just as concerning is the three-point shooting. After making two of five attempts in Game 1, Turner is just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc. And he isn't the only one struggling, with Indiana shooting 37 percent or worse from deep in each of the last four games. The Pacers will need to turn that around if they're to have a chance of winning Game 6 on Thursday. |
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T.J. McConnell T.J. McConnell posts 18/4/4/2 line in Game 5 loss
Mon, Jun 16, 2025, 5:58 PM
C.J. Fogler
T.J. McConnell recorded 18 points (8-of-14 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one three-pointer in Monday's Game 5 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: With Tyrese Haliburton limited due to a right calf injury and Andrew Nembhard struggling, the Pacers needed more from McConnell. Unsurprisingly, the veteran point guard stepped up, even screaming âyou can't guard meâ at the Thunder players at one point. McConnell answering the call is to be expected, even with his perceived offensive limitations. With Haliburton likely to be at less than full strength for Game 6 on Thursday, the Pacers will need a performance from McConnell similar to the one they received on Monday. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam records 26 points, complete line
Mon, Jun 16, 2025, 5:50 PM
Pascal Siakam amassed 28 points (9-of-15 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), six rebounds, five assists, three steals, two blocks and three three-pointers in Monday's Game 5 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: With Tyrese Haliburton nowhere near full strength due to ankle and calf injuries, Siakam did what he could to carry the Pacers in Game 5. One of the few rotation players with a championship on his résumé, Spicy P shot 66.7 percent from the field and was impactful on both ends of the floor Monday night. Over the last two games, Siakam has recorded eight steals and three blocked shots to go along with what he's done offensively. Regardless of what happens with Haliburton, the Pacers will need an elite Siakam on Thursday if they're to force a Game 7. And he's capable of answering the call. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Haliburton (calf) struggles in Game 5 defeat
Mon, Jun 16, 2025, 5:43 PM
Dime Magazine
Tyrese Haliburton (calf) shot 0-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line in Monday's Game 5 loss to the Thunder, scoring four points with seven rebounds and six assists.
Analysis: Having injured his right ankle during Game 2, Haliburton suffered another right leg injury during Game 5. He appeared to injure his right calf on a drive to the basket during the first half and was a shell of himself for the rest of the night. And with Andrew Nembhard (7/3/3/1 with four turnovers) struggling to do much offensively, that was too much for the Pacers to overcome. Indiana did manage to pull to within two points during the fourth quarter, but they would turn the ball over on four consecutive possessions as Oklahoma City pulled away. With Game 6 scheduled for Thursday night, Indiana's trainers are going to earn their keep as they look to get Haliburton as healthy as possible. |
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Jarace Walker Jarace Walker (ankle) unlikely to play in Finals
Sun, Jun 15, 2025, 8:49 AM
Dan Devine
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Jarace Walker (ankle) is unlikely to play in the NBA Finals.
Analysis: Injured during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Walker has not appeared in a game since. According to Carlisle, the second-year forward is no longer using crutches but is still walking with a slight limp. Due to Indiana's depth, Walker's absence has not significantly impacted the team's approach to this series. Obi Toppin was already the primary backup to Pascal Siakam, so his role remains unchanged. |
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Myles Turner Myles Turner goes ice-cold from deep in Game 4
Fri, Jun 13, 2025, 6:20 PM
Myles Turner shot 3-of-10 from the field and 6-of-6 from the foul line in Friday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder, scoring 12 points with two rebounds and two assists.
Analysis: While the illness that limited Turner during Thursday's practice did not land him on the pregame injury report, it's fair to wonder if the center was still feeling the effects. He missed all six of his three-point attempts in Game 4 and also did not record any steals or blocked shots. By comparison, Turner blocked five shots in Indiana's Game 3 victory on Wednesday. The Pacers don't need Turner to be a superstar, but they do need him to be more impactful than he was on Friday. He'll look to rebound in Game 5 on Monday. |
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Obi Toppin Obi Toppin records 17/7/1/1/1 line in Game 4 loss
Fri, Jun 13, 2025, 6:15 PM
Obi Toppin tallied 17 points (7-of-12 FGs, 1-of-4 FTs), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and two three-pointers in Friday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: Sandwiched around subpar offensive performances in Games 2 and 3, Toppin was effective in Games 1 and 4. Friday was the second time this series he's scored 17 points, and the high-flying forward recorded a complete stat line. The lone negative for Toppin was his foul shooting, as he was just 1-of-4 from the stripe. Add in some key missed free throws from Bennedict Mathurin and Oklahoma City's superior play in crunch time, and the Pacers likely feel that they let Game 4 get away. Toppin and the Pacers will look to bounce back when they visit Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday. |
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Pascal Siakam Siakam leads Pacers with 20 points in Game 4
Fri, Jun 13, 2025, 6:11 PM
Pascal Siakam accumulated 20 points (6-of-15 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), eight rebounds, five assists, five steals, one block and two three-pointers in Friday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: Siakam started Game 4 extremely well, tallying 10 points and four steals in the first quarter. However, he was 1-of-6 from the field in the second half, only attempting one shot in the fourth quarter. Whether that's on Siakam for not being aggressive enough to get the ball, or on the Pacers for not getting him the ball more often, that cannot happen. Similar to Tyrese Haliburton's assist-to-turnover ratio, Siakam's offensive production has been far better in wins than in losses during the NBA Finals. With two of the final three games on the road, the Pacers will need a better Siakam if they're to win the franchise's first NBA title. Game 5 is on Monday. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Haliburton scores 18 points in Game 4 defeat
Fri, Jun 13, 2025, 6:03 PM
Tyrese Haliburton amassed 18 points (7-of-15 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), two rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one three-pointer in Friday's Game 4 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis: While Haliburton had a good night inside the arc in Game 4, making six of his eight attempts, he was 1-of-7 from deep. Add in five turnovers, and this performance was far from the norm for the Pacers' point guard. Haliburton's assist-to-turnover ratio has been an excellent indicator of how the games have gone. In Indiana's two victories, he's tallied 17 assists and seven turnovers. In the two defeats, 13 assists and 10 turnovers. Obviously, the Pacers need Haliburton to be at his best if they're to win the franchise's first NBA title. Game 5 is on Monday, with the series tied at two games apiece. |
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Myles Turner Myles Turner (illness) not listed on injury report
Thu, Jun 12, 2025, 4:44 PM
NBA Injury Report
Myles Turner (illness) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Game 4 against the Thunder on Friday.
Analysis: Head coach Rick Carlisle said that Turner had been battling an illness that would potentially prevent him from practicing on Thursday, but it won't keep him from playing on Friday. He may not be at full strength, but he'll be out there as Indiana looks to take a 3-1 lead in the series. |
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Myles Turner Carlisle: Turner may miss practice with illness
Wed, Jun 11, 2025, 5:58 PM
James Boyd
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told reporters Myles Turner is dealing with an illness and may not practice on Thursday.
Analysis: Turner finished the Pacers' win in Game 3 with nine points, two rebounds, one assist and five blocks. His most important block came late in the game on a Chet Holmgren three-point attempt. Despite dealing with an illness and potentially missing practice Thursday, Turner isn't likely to miss Game 4 on Friday. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam has 21 points as IND takes 2-1 lead
Wed, Jun 11, 2025, 5:23 PM
Pascal Siakam had 21 points (8-of-14 FGs), six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block against the Thunder in Game 3 on Wednesday.
Analysis: The Pacers received truly great performances in Game 3 from Bennedict Mathurin, Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam. The 31-year-old power forward has been a rock for the Pacers this postseason bringing with him previous NBA Finals experience from his time in Toronto. Siakam's excellent Game 3 included 21 points on 14 shots and locking up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defensively on a crucial possession with under two minutes remaining. The Eastern Conference finals MVP played as big of a role as anyone in the Pacers taking a 2-1 series lead. |
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