The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks enter Tuesday’s matchup dealing with injury concerns that could shape rotations and matchup strategies, especially in the backcourt and frontcourt. Both teams sit at opposite ends of the Eastern Conference standings.
Indiana remains without Tyrese Haliburton, who is out with a right Achilles tendon tear. The absence of a high-usage point guard shifts ball-handling responsibility toward Andrew Nembhard, who averages 17.3 points and 7.4 assists per game.
Obi Toppin is also ruled out with a right foot stress fracture. Johnny Furphy is sidelined with a right ACL tear.
Several Indiana players carry questionable tags, including T.J. McConnell (right hamstring soreness), Aaron Nesmith (left hand strain), and Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain). Zubac, acquired at the trade deadline to anchor the interior, could be a key factor against Karl-Anthony Towns if available, as Indiana seeks rim protection and rebounding balance.
Without Haliburton’s pace and pick-and-roll creation, the Pacers rely heavily on Pascal Siakam’s scoring efficiency, as the forward averages 23.6 points while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. The team has dropped four straight games, including losses to Milwaukee and Utah.
New York enters the game with a shorter injury list but still faces important questions around defensive versatility. OG Anunoby is questionable due to right toe soreness. The forward averages 16.6 points and 5.5 rebounds and often handles top defensive matchups.
The Knicks remain without Miles McBride following pelvic core muscle surgery, removing a key reserve guard who contributes 12.9 points and strong perimeter defense off the bench. Mitchell Robinson is also out as he continues left ankle injury management, which increases the rebounding load on Karl-Anthony Towns, who averages 11.9 boards per game.
New York’s recent form has been strong despite injuries, highlighted by a 111-89 win over Boston that reinforced the team’s defensive identity. Jalen Brunson leads the offense with 27.1 points and 6.1 assists per game.
The previous meeting between these teams came down to a one-point margin, with the Knicks winning 114-113 on December 18.
