LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter of a semifinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Knicks defeated the Magic 132-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter of a semifinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 13, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Knicks defeated the Magic 132-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
After getting a night off, the New York Knicks are back on the court on Friday, March 13, to face the Indiana Pacers.
The game marks the final stop on the five-game road trip for the Knicks.
Heading into the matchup, the Knicks braced for a couple of key absences. The injury report was especially notable this time around, as the Knicks added multiple new names hours before tip-off.
With multiple key players out, the Knicks will go through a lineup change.
New York Knicks Announce Starting Lineup vs. Indiana Pacers
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns
GettyKarl-Anthony Towns has been downgraded for the New York Knicks for Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks are starting Jalen Brunson, Landry Shamet, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson on Friday.
Underdog NBA
Lineup alert: Knicks will start Brunson, Shamet, Bridges, Anunoby, Robinson on Friday.
Josh Hart was on the injury report once again. Lately, left knee soreness has caused him to be a frequent presence on the report, though he was hardly missing action.
Before the Knicks’ March 11 game against the Utah Jazz, Hart’s latest absence occurred on February 4. At the time, the Knicks survived a double-overtime battle against the Denver Nuggets with a victory.
Hart finally missed a game on March 11, when the Knicks took on the Jazz. In his absence, they collected a 135-117 win.
This year, Hart has appeared in 54 games, starting in 40 of them. He is knocking down shots from the field at a 49% clip, while hitting on 37% of his threes. The veteran forward is producing 11.8 points per game, along with 7.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns left Wednesday’s game for a brief moment. Despite teasing a potential early exit, the veteran finished the game with 30 minutes played. He shot 8-13 from the field, producing 21 points. Towns also had seven rebounds and seven assists.
The last time he missed action was during the Knicks’ February 6 game against the Detroit Pistons.
This season, Towns has produced 20.0 points per game, while shooting 49% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. He is producing a double-double on average, with 11.9 rebounds per game.
The Knicks also added the veteran reserve Jeremy Sochan to the report. The recent acquisition is dealing with an undisclosed illness. He was ruled doubtful from the jump, having a small chance of getting cleared to play.
Where The Knicks Stand
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
GettyThe New York Knicks are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference through the middle of March.
Although the Knicks lost hold of the Eastern Conference’s second seed to a thriving Boston Celtics team, they haven’t slid too far down the standings.
At 42-25, the Knicks hold a 1.5-game lead for the third seed over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics are out in front by 1.5 games. Meanwhile, the Pistons are at least 4.5 games ahead of everybody else.
The Knicks are certain they will make the playoffs this season. Friday’s action is far from a must-win, as they take on the 15-51 Pacers. Currently, the defending Eastern Conference Champions are last in the rankings.
The Knicks and the Pacers are scheduled for a 7:30 PM ET tip on Friday.