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Indiana Pacers will be significantly shorthanded when they host the New York Knicks on Thursday night, December 18, in a matchup that carries both competitive and symbolic weight. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, marking the first meeting between the two sides since the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in six games during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
Indiana Pacers facing adversity amid difficult stretch
Indiana enter the contest with a 6–20 record and are currently riding a two-game losing streak. Their struggles have placed them just one game ahead of the Washington Wizards for the worst record in the NBA, highlighting the urgency surrounding every remaining fixture. Thursday’s challenge, however, comes against one of the league’s hottest teams.
The Knicks arrive in Indianapolis on a five-game winning streak and fresh off lifting the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup after a victory over the San Antonio Spurs. New York sit second in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons, and will look to maintain momentum against a depleted Indiana Pacers roster.
Tyrese Haliburton ruled out again
The most significant absence for Indiana is Tyrese Haliburton, who has been ruled out due to an Achilles issue. The All-Star guard remains sidelined as Pacers continue to prioritize his long-term health during a challenging season. His absence has been felt on both ends of the floor, particularly in Indiana’s offensive rhythm and late-game execution.
Without Haliburton, Pacers have struggled to generate consistent playmaking, placing added pressure on the remaining backcourt options to shoulder the load against a disciplined Knicks defense.
Multiple rotation players unavailable
Indiana’s injury report also confirms that Aaron Nesmith (knee), Ben Sheppard (calf), and Obi Toppin (foot) will all miss Thursday’s game. The loss of Nesmith and Toppin further weakens Indiana Pacers’ wing and frontcourt depth, areas that will be tested heavily by New York’s physical style of play.
Kam Jones and Taelon Peter are both listed as doubtful due to G League assignments. While their potential availability would offer minor rotational support, neither is expected to play a major role if they are cleared in time for tip-off.
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