Knicks Rest Three Players as Key Starter with Indiana Roots to Face Pacers
The New York Knicks are gearing up to face the Indiana Pacers in their upcoming matchup. The game is set for Thursday, December 18, at 7:10 p.m. EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. After their recent NBA Cup victory, the Knicks are managing player injuries as they look to extend their win streak.
Knicks Injuries and Roster Changes
In a strategic move, the Knicks will rest three key players during this game. Their injury report includes:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Out – Left Knee Soreness
- Josh Hart: Out – Abdominal Strain
- Mitchell Robinson: Out – Left Ankle Injury Management
- Miles McBride: Out – Left Ankle Sprain
- Landry Shamet: Out – Left Shoulder Strain
OG Anunoby is available to play despite dealing with a left knee contusion. His presence will be crucial as the Knicks aim for victory.
Projected Starters for the Matchup
The Knicks will face the Pacers with the following starting lineup:
- F: OG Anunoby
- F: Guerschon Yabusele
- C: Ariel Hukporti
- G: Jalen Brunson
- G: Mikal Bridges
Meanwhile, the Pacers’ projected starters are:
- F: Bennedict Mathurin
- F: Pascal Siakam
- C: Jay Huff
- G: Andrew Nembhard
- G: Ethan Thompson
Pacers’ Season Outlook
The Indiana Pacers are struggling with a challenging 1-13 start this season while attempting to secure their coach Rick Carlisle’s 1,000th win. They aim to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Washington Wizards.
This matchup is the first since the Knicks were eliminated by the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals last May. The Pacers emerged victorious in that series, which concluded with a decisive Game 6 win, marking a significant moment in both teams’ recent histories.
Knicks vs. Pacers: Historical Context
The rivalry continues as the Knicks seek revenge for their playoff losses. Historically, the Knicks have had favorable results in recent seasons against the Pacers. They won the regular-season series three times in the past five years, tied once, and lost two of three matchups in the current season.
In the last 16 encounters since the beginning of 2021, the Pacers have prevailed 10 times. However, they still trail the historical series since the formation of the Pacers in 1976.
Game Viewing Information
Fans can catch the game on:
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (Pacers), MSG (Knicks)
- Radio: 1070 The Fan (Pacers), WEPN-FM (Knicks)
The Knicks aim to leverage their depth and recent momentum as they face a rival they battled in the previous postseason. As they step onto the court, the implications of this matchup stretch beyond the current season, entrenching the competitive history between New York and Indiana.
