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The New York Knicks are on the road against the Indiana Pacers, looking to win a second straight contest and continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings. However, the Knicks received unfortunate news ahead of the matchup: two of their starters, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns, have been listed as doubtful for the game.
Towns is dealing with bilateral knee soreness, while Hart is managing soreness in his left knee. With two key players potentially out, the Knicks may need to rely more heavily on their backup center depth to make up for the rebounding and interior presence they could be missing.
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According to Steve Popper of Newsday, the Knicks have officially downgraded both players on the injury report. “Knicks have shifted Towns and Hart from questionable to DOUBTFUL for tonight in Indy,” Popper wrote on X.
With Towns and Hart listed as doubtful, the Knicks could see several immediate adjustments to their rotation against the Pacers. Towns has been a major presence in the frontcourt this season. The 30-year-old big man is averaging 20.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 49.3% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc across 63 games.
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If he is unable to play, New York will likely lean more heavily on its backup big men to help replace the rebounding, floor spacing and interior presence normally provided in the starting lineup.
Hart’s potential absence would also impact the Knicks’ wing rotation. The 29-year-old guard has been a key all-around contributor, averaging 11.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 49.5% from the field and 37.7% from three across 54 games.
Known for his relentless hustle and ability to rebound well above his position, Hart often helps the Knicks control possessions and generate extra opportunities.
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New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Hart, a former Villanova star and the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has developed into one of the most versatile guards in the league. His steady production earned him a four-year, $80.9 million contract extension with New York, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season. The deal shows the organization’s long-term belief in his value as a key piece of the team’s core moving forward.
Towns, his teammate, is a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and the 2015 Rookie of the Year. He arrived in New York after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
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Related: Pacers Announce Pascal Siakam Injury Update Before Suns Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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