Knicks Gear Up for Showdown with Pacers as Anunoby Returns
The New York Knicks, fresh off their victory in the NBA Cup, are adjusting their lineup ahead of a highly anticipated rematch against the Indiana Pacers this Thursday. OG Anunoby, a standout talent who honed his skills at the University of Indiana, will make his return to the court after overcoming a left knee contusion. However, the Knicks will be without key players: center Karl-Anthony Towns, wing Josh Hart, and backup big man Mitchell Robinson are all sidelined. The decision to rest these players seems strategic, especially with a crucial game against the Philadelphia 76ers looming just a day later. This comes on the heels of two significant wins against the Orlando Magic and the San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas, showcasing the Knicks’ resilience and depth.
A Rivalry Rekindled
This matchup marks the first encounter between the Knicks and Pacers since their playoff clash last spring, where Indiana eliminated New York in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers, still grappling with a rocky start to their season, are eager to reassert themselves against their rivals. Head coach Rick Carlisle is chasing his milestone 1,000th career victory, which adds another layer of motivation as the team seeks to turn around their dismal 1-13 record. Fresh off a tough loss to a struggling Wizards team, the Pacers are desperate to find their footing in the playoff race, even if the path to a play-in appearance appears daunting.
Injury Report and Lineup Insights
As the teams prepare for the contest, the injury report reveals significant absences on both sides. For the Knicks:
Karl-Anthony Towns: Out – Left Knee Soreness
OG Anunoby: Available – Left Knee Contusion
Josh Hart: Out – Abdominal Strain
Mitchell Robinson: Out – Left Ankle Injury Management
Miles McBride: Out – Left Ankle Sprain
Landry Shamet: Out – Left Shoulder Strain
For the Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton: Out – Right Achilles Tendon Tear
Aaron Nesmith: Out – Left Knee MCL Sprain
Obi Toppin: Out – Right Foot Stress Fracture
Ben Sheppard: Out – Left Calf Strain
Kam Jones: Doubtful – G League (On Assignment)
Taelon Peter: Doubtful – G League (Two-Way)
With Anunoby back in the lineup, the Knicks’ projected starters are:
F OG Anunoby
F Guerschon Yabusele
C Ariel Hukporti
G Jalen Brunson
G Mikal Bridges
The Pacers are expected to counter with:
F Bennedict Mathurin
F Pascal Siakam
C Jay Huff
G Andrew Nembhard
G Ethan Thompson
Knicks Seek Redemption
This game holds a significant emotional weight for the Knicks, who are looking to avenge last season’s playoff defeat, which ended in a disappointing 125-108 loss at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That series concluded Tom Thibodeau’s tenure as head coach and marked a pivotal moment in the franchise’s recent history. Under new coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have rallied back, winning six straight games and 10 of their last 11.
Brown’s ability to rely on his bench players, including Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek, has been instrumental in their recent success. Depth will be vital as New York navigates this challenging stretch of games, particularly with the potential for resting players to manage fatigue.
Historical Context and Betting Lines
Historically, the Knicks have had the upper hand in recent regular-season matchups, winning three of the last five series contests. However, the Pacers have claimed victory in 10 of the last 16 encounters since the beginning of 2021, hinting at a competitive rivalry. The overall regular-season series stands at 102-96 in favor of the Knicks since the franchise’s inception in 1976.
Betting odds reflect the intrigue surrounding this matchup:
Spread: Knicks -4.5, Pacers +4.5
Moneyline: Knicks -185, Pacers +154
Total: 225.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Insights from the Sidelines
Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed confidence in his star point guard, Jalen Brunson, who recently earned NBA Cup MVP honors. “When you start talking MVP candidates, his name is one of the first to come out your mouth,” Brown remarked, emphasizing Brunson’s ability to perform on the big stage while contributing to the team’s success.
As the Knicks prepare to face the Pacers, all eyes will be on the court Thursday night in Indianapolis, where a narrative of redemption intertwines with the quest for victory.
