Pacers will have no shot in Game 6 without Tyrese Haliburton

Haliburton has been dealing with a nagging lower right leg injury throughout the series. The ailment was exasperated in Game 5 when the 25-year-old guard attempted to drive to the basket.

The injury occurred during the first half, putting Haliburton's status for the second in question. Haliburton played through the calf strain, logging 34 minutes, but failed to make a field-goal attempt in the game.

It's been an up-and-down series for Haliburton. He is averaging 15 points, 7.2 assists and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 45.3% from the field and 29.4% from three. Modest numbers on the surface — other than his production from beyond the arc — but Haliburton has too often been invisible on the court, lacking aggressiveness within the offense.

Despite being passive and looking to get others involved rather than taking matters into his own hands, Haliburton is the centerpiece of Indiana's offensive identity, and his impact is irreplaceable.

T.J. McConnell will take over as the starting point guard if Haliburton is out for Game 6. McConnell has been exceptional in this series including scoring 18 points off the bench in Game 5, sparking a comeback before Oklahoma City eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Without Haliburton's play-making ability and creativity off the dribble, the Pacers' half-court offense loses rhythm and structure.

If Haliburton is not able to play on Thursday night, the Thunder will be one step closer to clinching the NBA Finals and hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.