The Indiana Pacers return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a do-or-die Game 6, trailing the NBA Finals 3–2 and facing elimination against an Oklahoma City Thunder team that appears to be hitting its peak at the perfect time. Despite the uphill battle, Indiana has proven resilient throughout the postseason, particularly on their home floor, where they’ve fed off the energy of their crowd and executed with confidence in high-pressure moments. The biggest concern entering this critical game is the health of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose lingering left calf strain has severely limited his effectiveness and availability, most recently resulting in a four-point outing in Game 5 that left the Pacers without their primary playmaker. Without Haliburton’s elite passing and ability to break down defenses, Indiana has leaned on veterans like TJ McConnell, who gave the team a needed spark off the bench in Game 5, and Andrew Nembhard, who has stepped up admirably under the postseason spotlight. Pascal Siakam remains the team’s most consistent scorer and delivered 28 points in Game 5, using his strength and experience to attack the Thunder’s interior defense. Myles Turner’s return from illness gives Indiana an essential two-way presence, capable of protecting the rim while also stretching the floor to create lanes for drivers. Offensively, the Pacers must emphasize ball movement and attacking early in the shot clock, exploiting transition chances before Oklahoma City’s elite defense can get set.

Defensively, Indiana must communicate better on switches and close out more aggressively on shooters, especially Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who have torched them throughout the series. The Pacers’ success at home this postseason gives them a psychological edge, and they’ll need their role players—such as Buddy Hield, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith—to contribute scoring and energy to keep pace with OKC’s deep and versatile lineup. Coach Rick Carlisle’s adjustments will be critical, particularly how he manages Haliburton’s minutes and whether he leans more heavily on McConnell again if Tyrese is limited. Indiana will also need to be far more disciplined with fouls and take care of the ball, as turnovers have repeatedly led to easy fast break points for the Thunder. While Indiana has struggled to consistently contain OKC’s perimeter attack, they’ve shown they can win gritty, physical games when they control pace and force opponents into half-court sets. From a betting perspective, the Pacers have covered in a majority of their home playoff games but face a difficult matchup as six-point underdogs. Their games have routinely gone over the total, particularly when playing at home, which could be the case again given the stakes and offensive talent on both sides. For the Pacers to force a Game 7, they’ll need their best all-around effort of the postseason, with Siakam leading the charge, Turner anchoring the paint, and a heroic performance from either a recovering Haliburton or Indiana’s scrappy bench. It’s a tall order, but in front of their fans and with their season on the line, Indiana won’t go quietly.