The New York Knicks are fighting to stay alive in the Eastern Conference Finals as they host the Indiana Pacers tonight in a must-win Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. Trailing 3–1 in the NBA series, the Knicks will need to mount a historic comeback—and they may have to do so without one of their key stars. The major question heading into tip-off: Will Karl-Anthony Towns be available to play?
Towns suffered a left knee contusion late in Game 4 after a collision with Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith. The injury occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the game, when Nesmith drove to the basket and banged knees with Towns, who collapsed to the floor in visible pain.
“I’m only thinking about the loss,” Towns said postgame on Tuesday when asked about the injury. “I’m not thinking about that right now. It’s disappointing when you don’t get a win, and we didn’t do enough to get the job done tonight.”
Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing today for the Knicks vs Pacers?
As of Thursday afternoon, Towns is officially listed as questionable with a left knee contusion, but the Knicks made the decision to start him in tonight’s game against the Pacers.
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Despite dealing with a lingering knee injury, Tom Thibodeau has chosen not to rest the four-time All-Star, deciding instead to rely on his veteran presence in what could potentially be the Knicks’ final playoff game of the season.
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Towns’ impact and importance
Through four games in the series, the five-time NBA All-Star is averaging 25.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He led the Knicks in scoring in their Game 3 comeback win, posting 24 points—20 of them in the fourth quarter—while star guard Jalen Brunson sat due to foul trouble.
There’s no doubt that New York needs Towns if they hope to extend the series. His ability to stretch the floor and dominate the glass has been critical to the Knicks’ postseason success. Meanwhile, the Pacers are hoping to take advantage of any absence and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
