The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are set to square off for the second time this season, with the Knicks edging out a one-point win in their first meeting back in mid-December. But a lot has changed since then-especially when you look at the trajectory of both teams heading into Tuesday’s matchup.
The Knicks are red hot, having won nine of their last ten games and currently sitting in a tie with the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the East. Meanwhile, the Pacers are stuck at the bottom of the conference, riding a four-game losing streak and dealing with a laundry list of injuries that’s made consistency nearly impossible.
Pacers Injury Report: Depth Tested Across the Board
Indiana’s injury list is long-and it’s not just role players. Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of the Pacers’ offense, remains out with an Achilles issue.
That’s a massive blow for a team already struggling to find rhythm on either end of the floor. Without Haliburton’s playmaking and leadership, Indiana has lacked the tempo and shot creation that make their offense tick.
Rookie Johnny Furphy, who suffered a torn right ACL in Sunday’s loss to Toronto, is out for the season. It’s a tough break for both Furphy and the Pacers, as the young wing was starting to carve out a role with his energy and shooting.
Obi Toppin is also sidelined with a foot injury, taking away another athletic forward who thrives in transition-something Indiana leans on heavily when they’re at full strength.
The Pacers have a slew of players listed as questionable: T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Aaron Nesmith (hand), Micah Potter (hip), and Ivica Zubac (ankle), along with two-way players Quenton Jackson, Taelon Peter, and Ethan Thompson.
McConnell’s potential absence would be especially significant, as he’s been a steady veteran presence off the bench and a key initiator in Haliburton’s absence. Nesmith, too, has been a valuable two-way contributor, and his availability could swing the rotation.
As for Zubac, while he’s listed as questionable, head coach Rick Carlisle has already confirmed the newly acquired center won’t make his Pacers debut until after the All-Star break. That means Indiana will continue to lean on a thin frontcourt that’s already being stretched to its limits.
Knicks Injury Report: Managing Without Key Pieces
The Knicks aren’t without their own injury concerns, but their depth-and recent additions-have helped them stay afloat.
OG Anunoby, who’s been a crucial addition since arriving in a midseason trade, is listed as questionable with a toe injury that’s kept him out of the last two games. His defensive versatility and three-point shooting have been instrumental in New York’s recent surge, so his status will be something to watch closely.
Miles McBride is out for the remainder of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia. That’s a tough loss for the Knicks’ backcourt rotation, but they’ve already begun to fill the gap with Jose Alvarado, who arrived from New Orleans at the trade deadline. Alvarado brings toughness, on-ball pressure, and a knack for energizing the second unit-exactly the kind of spark plug New York thrives on.
Mitchell Robinson remains out as he continues to manage a left ankle injury. His absence has forced the Knicks to get creative in the frontcourt, leaning more on Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims to hold down the paint.
Two-way player Dillon Jones is available for the game, while rookie Pacome Dadiet is listed as questionable as he continues to split time with the G League.
Looking Ahead
This game has the makings of a classic "trap game" for the Knicks, but don’t expect Tom Thibodeau’s squad to take their foot off the gas. Even with injuries, New York has been locked in defensively and executing with purpose on offense-hallmarks of a team starting to believe it can make a real playoff run.
For Indiana, the focus is on development and surviving the storm. With Haliburton out and several rotation players questionable, it’s an opportunity for younger guys and two-way players to step into bigger roles. The Pacers may be down, but they’re still dangerous-especially if they can push the pace and turn this into a track meet.
Tip-off can’t come soon enough.