Knicks Face Tough Challenge Against Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals

INDIANAPOLIS — The New York Knicks‘ quest for a playoff victory took a hit during their latest matchup against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday night. The Knicks struggled early, with a starting lineup revamped by coach Tom Thibodeau that included Mitchell Robinson as a focal point.

The game started poorly for the Knicks, who fell behind 16-11. Thibodeau’s lineup tweak aimed to inject energy but resulted in a rough start. Robinson, coming off an ankle injury last season, contributed minimally, finishing with a team-worst plus/minus of minus-20.

“There’s obviously some good, but also things we have to do a lot better,” Thibodeau said. “Once it gets to double figures, now they’ve got more confidence.” This marks a continuation of the challenges facing the Knicks’ starters throughout the postseason.

Robinson himself acknowledged the need for improvement. “I feel like I got off to a slow start, especially in the first half. I can’t allow that, especially at the time right now,” he said.

As the series against the Pacers progresses, the future of the Knicks’ lineup remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Pacers are dealing with their own roster issues, particularly regarding starting center Myles Turner, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Turner has been a pivotal player, averaging 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds this season. However, in the latest game, he only managed five points and two rebounds. His future could depend on the Pacers’ willingness to maintain their core, as reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, suggesting ownership may be open to exceeding the luxury tax to retain Turner.

As both teams prepare for the next game, the stakes are high. The Knicks need to address their starting struggles, while the Pacers must decide on their immediate future and whether to invest in retaining key players like Turner.