AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- A migraine headache kept Ron Artest from attending Indiana's morning shootaround Tuesday, adding to the Pacers' uncertainty over who would be available for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Coach Rick Carlisle said Jermaine O'Neal (sprained knee) and Jamaal Tinsley (left leg injuries) would likely start, though he won't hesitate to replace any player who is not helping the team.
"That's something I've talked to Jamaal about. We'll see where he is," Carlisle said. "If it gets to a point where it appears he's not able to do what he needs to do out there, or it appears he could be compromised, then I'm going to have to make a tough decision."
Artest also missed practice Monday because of a migraine headache but traveled with the team from Indianapolis.
Indiana trails the best-of-7 series 3-2.
O'Neal injured his left knee in Game 4 by landing awkwardly while going for a rebound. Tinsley has been hampered by injuries to his ankle, knee and hamstring.
"We'll know more tonight," Carlisle said. "Tinsley is sore and appears to be having more difficulty as the series goes along, and Jermaine is sore but we expect him to play. Ron will be more of a game-time decision."
Anthony Johnson will remain the primary backup to Tinsley, with little-used veteran Kenny Anderson the third option at point guard.
"I think I'll get in, I don't know for how many minutes," Anderson said. "Right now we don't have a choice. If things aren't going right, he'll probably throw everything at them. We don't have a tomorrow, so everybody will probably get a chance."
Game 7, if necessary, would be Thursday night at Indiana.
The winner will advance to play the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals beginning Sunday night.
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