Game Preview: Knicks at Pacers, March 13, 2026

The Knicks (42*-25) conclude a five-game road trip tonight against the 15-50 Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Currently, their four-game season series stands tied at one win apiece. The Knicks, coming off a shaky victory in Utah, have won six of their last ten games; Indy lost to the Suns last night and have dropped 11 straight.

These teams last met on February 10, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, when the Pacers outlasted the Knicks 137-134 in overtime. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 30 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Andrew Nembhard added 24 points and 10 assists. Jalen Brunson poured in 40 points to go with eight assists and five rebounds for New York in the loss.

Indiana’s season has been grim. They have the league’s worst record, offensive rating, and point differential, allowing 120 points per game. They rank 25th in defensive rating while hovering near the bottom in scoring defense and overall efficiency. None of it matters, of course, because they always approach a Knicks game like it’s game seven of the conference finals.

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All-Star Pascal Siakam has been Indiana’s focal point, averaging 24 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game and carrying a big usage load as their primary scorer. With Tyrese Haliburton out all season, Andrew Nembhard has stabilized the backcourt as a lead guard, contributing 17.2 PPG while orchestrating the offense with 7.3 APG. Aaron Nesmith has chipped in as their best 3-and-D option, averaging 13.1 PPG and 4.5 RPG.

The injury report is stacked for the Hoosiers. OAKAAKUYOAK Obi Topppin (foot), Siakam (knee), Nesmith (ankle), T.J. McConnell (hamstring), and Quenton Jackson (calf) are all OUT. Look for coach Rick Carlisle to start Nembhard, Ethan Thompson, Jarace Walker, plus the recently acquired Kobe Brown and Ivica Zubac.

On the Knicks’ side of the injury list, Karl-Anthony Towns—who’s played excellent hoops since the All-Star break— and Josh Hart are both game-time decisions due to knee trouble. Miles McBride is expected to be out until at least April 1, recovering from his hernia surgery.

Prediction

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Publish date : 2026-03-13 12:25:00

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