Everyone in Indiana knows too well about capitalizing opportunities when they come. Such Cinderella runs don’t come around often. But the Pacers have their Prince Charming firing on all cylinders, doing everything in his powers to get them that diamond slipper, which in this case is that elusive first NBA Championship ring. However, Tyrese Haliburton’s injury changes everything. Who will be the one holding the hands of the 2.1 million residents the city harbors? Turns out, it might be Hali himself.

Tyrese had a horror show of a Game 5. He aggressively drove toward the rim against Chet Holmgren in the first quarter. But as he attempted the finish, he fell awkwardly, immediately grabbing at his right calf—indicating discomfort or a possible strain. He did return to the court in the second quarter, but he was probably better off it. How else would you explain 4 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists with a surprising 0% shooting accuracy from the field and deep?

That injury literally couldn’t come at a worse time. He had an MRI on Tuesday for what is characterized as a strained right calf. And they’re still waiting for the results. But there’s been a lot of progress since then. Which from an Indiana perspective could be the best thing possible. The Pacers fans can replace the image of Hali limping with him sinking in every shot in their light practice on Tuesday morning. The most important part? Tyrese Haliburton was not limping.

It’s good to see Hali in good spirits concerning his comeback. And his words were that of confidence for all the ‘Cers fans. “I’m a competitor. I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. I want to be out there. That’s the plan,” said Tyrese Haliburton. But well, his stance could go either of two ways. Him potentially being back from injury is a dub for all Indiana concerned. If you’re Rick Carlisle on the other hand? Not so much. Why? Well, did you see his presser? Hali was supposed to be a game-time decision.

Rick Carlisle puts Tyrese Haliburton as a game-time decision

Don’t get it mistaken – this is all the Pacers staff decisions. Hali himself can just be the lab rat that the doctors experiment on. And the one to tell the world has to be Carlisle himself. Sure, Game 6 is literally make or break for Indiana. OKC have had their number till now. But that alone doesn’t justify Haliburton playing, especially after a horrific Game 5. And that’s what Carlisle doubled down on in his presser.

“He participated in our walkthrough stuff. But it’s a walkthrough. it’s not, there was no real running or moving or anything. So we’ll see, see how, where we are tomorrow. It’s a topic that people want to hear about and know about. And there’s going be a lot of questions about it. But we will not really know for sure until late tomorrow afternoon or early evening,” said Carlisle to NBATV.

Who doesn’t love this Indiana Pacers Cinderella run? The views might be tanking, but we’re in for one of the best NBA Finals in a long time. For the Pacers to win, Tyrese Haliburton’s fitness is a must. Let’s see how all that fairs out come game time. Do you see Hali in the 5?