Injury report: Knicks vs. Pacers, three most important Knicks stars out
This hotly contested series’ fourth game is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis.
In Game 3 of their second-round playoff series, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks with much drama, advancing to a crucial Game 4 in Indianapolis on Sunday. Could the Pacers tie the series at two points? Will the Knicks grab a decisive 3-1 lead instead?
The solution might depend on health, as it has so frequently in Knicks games this postseason. Here is a preview of Game 4’s early injury report:
OG Anunoby: Not present (hamstring)
Anunoby was running the fastbreak late in the third quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 victory when he abruptly pulled up and clutched at his left hamstring. He remained on the ground until play reverted to its original direction, substituting out of the game at the next dead ball.
It’s still unknown if or when Anunoby will return. The Knicks have been providing information before to every game and have not yet announced an official timeline.
Since joining the Knicks in a sensational trade earlier this season to acquire Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, the player has been a game-changer when healthy. But since joining the team at the beginning of the new year, he has found it difficult to stay on the court, appearing in just 31 games between the regular season and the postseason.
Jalen Brunson: Going to kick the ball.
Similar to other colleagues, Brunson has sustained injuries during this playoff run. After entering the locker room at the end of the first quarter of Game 2, the club declared that Brunson’s comeback was uncertain because of a foot injury. On the 54th anniversary of Willis Reed’s historic entry into Game 7 of the NBA Finals, he came from the locker room ahead of the second half and led the Knicks to victory.
Despite being marked as doubtful for Game 3, Brunson showed up and participated in 38 minutes despite his 10-of-26 shooting from the field. Before Game 4, he was granted the all-clear and his name was taken off the injury report.
Tyrese Haliburton: Dubious (ankle, sacrum, and back)
The Pacers star has spent the entire season sidelined by injuries. He missed about a month of action due to a hamstring strain in January, and it took even longer for him to return to form. Even though he just had his finest postseason performance of 35 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, he’s currently battling with a number of problems that might make it difficult for him to repeat that performance.
Due to an ankle sprain, sacral contusion, and back spasms, Haliburton is doubtful for Game 4. It is highly likely that he will attempt it, albeit it is unclear what outcome he will achieve.
