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Knicks Ride Championship High into Indiana, Face Battered Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Fresh off their NBA Cup victory, the New York Knicks (18-7) travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse tonight to face the struggling Indiana Pacers (6-20). The Knicks are riding a six-game winning streak and have won ten of their last twelve contests, showcasing dominant play on both offense and defense.

The Pacers, in stark contrast, find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, having lost six of their last ten games. While Indiana did defeat the Knicks in their last meeting during the Eastern Conference Finals, with Pascal Siakam leading the way, the circumstances are significantly different this time around.

Indiana will be severely shorthanded. Key players like Tyrese Haliburton are out for the season, while Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and Ben Sheppard are also sidelined. Siakam will need to continue carrying the scoring load, with support from Andrew Nembhard, who has taken on increased playmaking duties. The Pacers will likely rely on players like rookie Ethan Thompson, recently signed to a two-way deal, to fill the gaps.

The Knicks, while favored, also face challenges. Miles McBride and Landry Shamet will be unavailable, and several key players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson, are listed as game-time decisions. With this being the first game of a back-to-back set following their NBA Cup win, Coach Mike Brown may opt to rest some of his starters to prepare for a tougher matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers at home tomorrow.

Despite potential fatigue and possible roster adjustments, analysts predict the Knicks will ultimately overcome the depleted Pacers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with coverage on MSG. Fans can follow updates on X @ptknicksblog and Threads (bsky).

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