The Indiana Pacers are set to face the New York Knicks on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, rekindling their rivalry from last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. Despite this high-profile matchup, the Pacers have struggled this season after star Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury in the 2025 NBA Finals Game 7, leaving Indiana with a disappointing 13-40 record. Meanwhile, the Knicks hold a strong 34-19 record, positioning themselves as serious contenders to return to the conference finals.
Key Injury Updates Impacting Both Teams Ahead of the Game
Both teams enter Tuesday’s contest with several injury issues. The Pacers have an extensive injury list, featuring ten players, six of whom are questionable for tonight’s game. One of the most closely watched names is Ivica Zubac, the Pacers’ recent acquisition from the Clippers in a significant trade that involved Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and multiple future draft picks. Zubac’s left ankle sprain places his debut for Indiana in doubt, with his availability rated at about 50-50.
Other Indiana players on the injury report include Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and Micah Potter. Nesmith is sidelined by a left hand strain, McConnell is coping with soreness in his right hamstring, and Potter is nursing a left hip contusion. Quenton Jackson and Ethan Thompson are also questionable but may see time in the G League instead of the main roster. Meanwhile, Johnny Furphy (recovering from an ACL tear), Tyrese Haliburton (rehabilitating an Achilles surgery), and Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture) are officially ruled out.
For the Knicks, five players appear on the injury report. OG Anunoby, Pacome Dadiet, and Dillon Jones are all listed as questionable. Anunoby is dealing with right toe soreness, while Dadiet and Jones could be assigned to the G League for playing time. Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson are confirmed out; McBride is recovering from pelvic muscle surgery, and Robinson continues to manage a left ankle injury.
Broadcast Information for Tonight’s Pacers vs. Knicks Game
Fans interested in following the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks can catch the game locally on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana and MSG Network. Additionally, the game will be available for streaming on NBA League Pass, allowing viewers to watch online.
Significance of Player Availability for the Pacers
Ivica Zubac’s potential debut with the Pacers is a focal point given the team’s current struggles and their effort to rebuild after losing key players and draft assets. His presence could bolster Indiana’s interior defense and provide much-needed stability on the court. However, the lingering ankle sprain and multiple other injuries cast uncertainty over the Pacers’ lineup and their ability to compete against a rising Knicks squad.
The Knicks, by contrast, seem better positioned despite some key absences, maintaining strong playoff prospects in the Eastern Conference. Monitoring the injury developments for both squads will be crucial in assessing the outcome and implications of this matchup as the season progresses.
