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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is managing what he describes as a “lower leg thing,” but both he and the team remain confident he will be ready to play in Wednesday’s pivotal Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s practice in Indianapolis, Haliburton downplayed concerns about his health, delivering a clear message about his Game 3 availability.
“I’m fine. Really just a lower leg thing. Will probably leave it at that,” Haliburton said. “I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate. I feel fine, and I’ll be ready to go for Game 3.”
Haliburton’s comments came after two days of speculation that followed his noticeable limp as he exited the podium following Indiana’s Game 2 loss in Oklahoma City. That moment raised concerns about whether Indiana’s All-NBA guard was dealing with a significant injury at a critical point in the series.
Indiana Pacers Downplay Visible Limp
While Haliburton’s postgame limp drew widespread attention on social media and among national outlets, the Pacers have consistently maintained that the injury is not a major concern.
On Tuesday, Haliburton participated fully in practice and was seen moving well during the portion of the session open to media. Observers noted tape on the back of his left calf, but he showed no obvious limitations. Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Haliburton’s participation and emphasized that the team expects him to play.
“He practiced, and he went through everything,” Carlisle said. “I know he has some discomfort, he feels it, but each day, it’s getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.”
Carlisle also put the situation in perspective, noting that few players are at full strength at this stage of the playoffs.
“At this time of year, I don’t know anybody’s feeling perfect,” he said. “We’ve got a couple guys that are slightly under the weather, but I don’t think anything’s gonna keep these guys from playing in the game.”
That assessment aligns with reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who said during a Tuesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that Haliburton was “feeling a lot better” on Monday and that there was “no concern level for his actual game status.”
Importantly, the Pacers have not listed Haliburton on their official injury report, a clear indication that the team views him as fully available heading into Game 3.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Role Critical as Finals Shift to Indiana
Haliburton’s health will remain a central storyline as the series moves to Indianapolis, where the Pacers will look to regain momentum with the series tied 1-1.
In Game 1, Haliburton delivered a signature moment, capping a furious fourth-quarter comeback with a game-winning jumper that sealed a dramatic 111-110 road win. He finished the night with 14 points and 10 rebounds, helping Indiana overcome a late 15-point deficit.
Game 2 followed a different script. The Thunder again built an early lead, and Haliburton struggled to find his rhythm in the first half, contributing just three points and three assists as the Pacers fell behind by 18 points at the break. He finished with 17 points, six assists, and five turnovers as Indiana dropped Game 2. After the loss, Haliburton acknowledged that his slow starts have been an issue.
“I think I’ve had two really poor first halves,” Haliburton said. “I just have to figure out how to be better earlier in games.”
The Pacers will need a strong performance from their floor general on Wednesday to seize back control of the series. Haliburton’s ability to initiate offense, control tempo, and generate scoring opportunities will be especially vital against an athletic and disruptive Thunder defense.
With Game 3 set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all signs point to Haliburton playing his full role in what figures to be a crucial swing game in the series.
“I feel fine and I’ll be ready to go for Game 3,” Haliburton reiterated.
