Knicks Line Up Healthy for Crucial Showdown Against Pacers
Here’s something you don’t see every day in the NBA playoffs: the New York Knicks rolled into Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers with a pristine injury report—zero names listed. After battling through a minefield of physical setbacks earlier in the postseason, it’s almost surreal for Knicks fans to see a full-strength squad available. The team’s sudden good health couldn’t have come at a better moment, as they try to shake off a gut-wrenching Game 1 loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Just rewind to the previous rounds—the Knicks kept running into roadblocks. Mitchell Robinson, a defensive anchor, missed all but one game with a lingering ankle injury. Bojan Bogdanovic, a key source of veteran scoring, never even had a chance to get on the floor. OG Anunoby, who was supposed to shore up the wing defense, also sat out all but a single postseason game, leaving the Knicks patching holes and shuffling rotations night after night.
On top of those absences, the team worked through a laundry list of ailments to their stars and role players. Julius Randle had just clawed his way back into action following a lengthy recovery from a significant shoulder problem. Other names—Jalen Brunson, who’s been playing some of the best basketball of his career, dealt with a hand problem; Isaiah Hartenstein managed Achilles discomfort; Deuce McBride played on a sore toe; and the relentlessly energetic Josh Hart battled through an abdominal issue. The Knicks’ resilience in grinding out wins with a shortened bench almost turned into their theme song.
But for Game 2, all those bruises, tweaks, and absences took a back seat. Not a single rotation player showed up on the injured list. For coach Tom Thibodeau, this means flexibility—for once, he can manage his bench without being boxed in by medical updates every morning. For the players? There’s a fresh sense of confidence knowing everyone is ready to contribute.
The optimism is much-needed. In Game 1, the Knicks seemed in control, building up a nine-point cushion late in the fourth quarter, only to watch it evaporate as the Pacers pulled off a comeback. Now down 1-0 in the series, New York can’t afford another letdown, especially facing an Indiana team that caught fire late in the regular season. The Pacers ended their season on a scorching 15-4 run and have looked sharp with an 8-2 record since the playoffs began. Their momentum isn’t just a stat—it’s visible every time they push the pace or lock in defensively, putting tons of pressure on opponents who dare to let up.
Depth vs. Momentum: All Eyes on Game 2
Having everyone healthy lets the Knicks finally test their full roster against a team that’s peaking at the right time. Randle’s return should give the Knicks more options on offense and someone to help battle Indiana’s aggressive big men under the boards. A healthier Brunson remains their best hope for shot creation and crunch-time heroics, especially after that crushing collapse last game. Hartenstein’s presence provides sorely needed size and rebounding, while depth from the bench—like McBride’s hustle and Hart’s energy—could be the X-factor in a series that feels too close to call.
Make no mistake: the Pacers aren’t going to make this easy. They closed the regular season in top form and have translated that chemistry into the postseason. If the Knicks want to flip the script and even the series, staying healthy is only half the battle—they’ve got to show they can keep pace with Indiana and close out games. With their strongest lineup finally available, the stage is set for a fierce clash where every possession will matter for both squads chasing a ticket to the NBA Finals.