The New York Knicks are on the brink, and their star center Karl-Anthony Towns might not be at full strength. Listed as questionable for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers on May 29, 2025, with a left knee contusion, per Tony East of WTHR Channel 13, Towns’ status is a game-time decision after a painful collision in Game 4’s 130-121 loss. With the Pacers leading 3-1, New York’s season hangs in the balance—can KAT gut it out to keep their NBA Finals dreams alive? Let’s dive into the injury, its impact, and what’s next for the Knicks.
The Injury: Towns’ Knee Takes a Hit
Towns suffered the injury late in Game 4 on May 28, 2025, colliding with Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith with 2:11 left in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He crumpled to the floor, clutching his left knee—the same one he had surgery on for a torn meniscus in 2024 while with the Timberwolves. Despite the pain, Towns returned for the final two minutes, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds on 8-of-15 shooting, but he was visibly hobbled, limping post-game, per ESPN’s Chris Herring. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau called his return a “good sign,” but Towns deflected questions, saying, “I’m only thinking about the loss,” per Knicks Videos on X. His status remains uncertain as he tests the knee in warmups before the 8:00 p.m. ET tipoff at Madison Square Garden, per USA Today.
KAT’s Massive Role in the Series
Towns has been a force against the Pacers, averaging 25.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, and 1.5 APG on 52.4% FG and 45.5% 3PT through four games. His Game 3 heroics—20 of 24 points in the fourth quarter—fueled a 20-point comeback for a 106-100 win, keeping New York alive. Only Knicks legends Willis Reed and Patrick Ewing have more 20-point, 12-rebound playoff games in franchise history, per CBS Sports. Without Towns at full strength, the Knicks’ offense, already struggling against Indy’s high-powered attack (130 points in Game 4), could falter. If he can’t play, Mitchell Robinson or Precious Achiuwa would likely start, but neither matches KAT’s scoring or floor-spacing, per The Athletic.
Game 5 Stakes: Do-or-Die for New York
Down 3-1, the Knicks face elimination for the first time this postseason. The Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s triple-doubles and Pascal Siakam’s 30-point outbursts, have outscored New York by 9+ points in two losses, per HoopsHype. Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and dominate the glass is crucial to counter Indy’s pace. X posts from @Thesports_story note concerns about Towns’ knee, previously surgically repaired, and @GameInjuryDoc flagged it as a potential aggravation. If KAT is limited or out, New York’s chances of forcing a Game 6 in Indiana on Saturday dim significantly. The Knicks haven’t reached the Finals since 1999—can Towns power through to keep hope alive?
