The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Thursday night as they take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York enters Thursday’s game with their season on the line after they were unable to tie the series with a victory in Game 4 on Tuesday night and instead trail Indiana 3-1.
Now the Knicks return home where they have not had much success this postseason, including during the Eastern Conference Finals as they have lost both home games thus far.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Despite this, the Knicks will look to bounce back and keep their championship hopes alive with a victory in front of their home crowd.
Ahead of Thursday’s game, the Knicks have made a major announcement regarding the injury status of their superstar center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau announced before the game that Towns is a game-time decision due to a knee contusion.
Of course, the star center suffered the injury in Game 4 and he is in danger of missing Thursday's game, which would be a major blow to the Knicks with their season on the line.
Towns has been a major part of their success this season especially during their playoff run though he has continued to struggle on the defensive end.
In the series thus far, Towns is averaging 25.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 52.4% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32).
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32).
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
If Towns is sidelined on Thursday night, expect Josh Hart to return to the starting lineup as Mitchell Robinson will replace Towns as the starting center.
Fans can catch Thursday’s Game 5 matchup between the Pacers and Knicks at 8:00 p.m. EST on TNT.