The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue tonight with the Oklahoma City Thunder facing off against the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 in Indianapolis.
Ahead three games to two, the Thunder are positioned to win an NBA championship on the road.
Game 6 could go down to whether Tyrese Haliburton plays — and is capable of performing.
Before previewing this high-stakes showdown in Indianapolis, here’s how we got here — and the latest bracket update.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket
Haliburton is suffering from a calf strain, which held him and the Pacers back in Game 5, with the point guard failing to make a single field goal.
That broke the Pacers’ streak going back to the late regular season of following every loss with a win. And it could break the series for the Pacers.
Haliburton’s heroics have been key for Indiana throughout the postseason: the Game 5 buzzer-beater over Giannis Antetokounmpo to eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks, the self-rebound and step-back shot in Cleveland, and the wild bounce shot to tie the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Monday, June 16 — NBA Finals Game 5 Recap
Oklahoma City Thunder 109, Indiana Pacers 101
Thunder lead NBA Finals 3–2
The Pacers’ Game 5 showed just how dependent they are on Haliburton, despite having an abundance of scoring options.
Pascal Siakam once again came up big, scoring 28 points. And TJ McConnell scored 13 points in seven minutes during Indiana’s third-quarter comeback.
But that comeback was short-lived. After cutting the deficit to just two with nine minutes to play in the game, the Thunder’s tandem of Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went to work to close out the game.
OKC’s defense was decisive, with 15 steals and 12 blocked shots. Indiana combined for a total of 22 turnovers.
Thursday, June 19 — NBA Finals Game 6 Preview
Tonight’s Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse may go down to whether Haliburton plays and, if he does, what kind of condition he’s in. His strain was so bad that Indiana considered pulling him out of the game for the second half on Monday.
As for tonight, Haliburton said on Wednesday, “If I can walk, then I want to play.” It looks like his availability will be a game-time decision. Head coach Rick Carlisle said on Wednesday, “We will not really know for sure until late tomorrow afternoon or early evening.”
Can Haliburton pull off a Willis Reed and brave his injury to lead Indiana to victory? The odds are against it. The type of injury he’s dealing with would normally require a week or two of rest.
Expect Andrew Nembhard to step up tonight — either as the dominant ballhandler if Haliburton plays or the starting PG if Haliburton is out. He’s a capable leader on the offense, but the Pacers’ depth would be diminished in an all-hands-on-deck type of situation.
Meanwhile, the Thunder remain healthy and they’ve shown maturity all postseason: resilient, poised, and led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’s refused to crack. Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be rowdy, but the Thunder can quiet the crowd early on.
With or without Haliburton, expect Indiana to throw everything at the Thunder. But it won’t be enough. The Thunder will become NBA champions tonight.
Game and Series Prediction: Thunder win tonight to clinch the series 4-2, with a 7-point margin if Haliburton plays, and a 15-point margin if he’s out.
Time: 8:30 PM Eastern
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: ABC
Streaming: ABC and ESPN apps and websites
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