The New York Knicks are visiting the Indiana Pacers, aiming for a consecutive victory to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, before this important game, the Knicks received some concerning news: two of their primary starters, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns, have been deemed doubtful for participation.
Towns is dealing with discomfort in both knees, while Hart is experiencing soreness in his left knee. With two crucial players possibly out, the Knicks might need to lean more heavily on their reserve center options to compensate for the rebounding and presence in the paint that could be absent.
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As reported by Steve Popper of Newsday, the Knicks have officially updated the injury status of both players. “Knicks have shifted Towns and Hart from questionable to DOUBTFUL for tonight in Indy,” Popper shared on X.
Given Towns and Hart’s doubtful status, the Knicks could implement several immediate changes to their rotation against the Pacers. Towns has been a formidable force in the frontcourt this season. The 30-year-old big man averages 20.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, boasting shooting percentages of 49.3% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc over 63 games.
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If he is unable to participate, New York will likely rely more extensively on its backup big men to help fill the void in rebounding, floor spacing, and interior defense typically provided by the starter.
Hart’s potential absence would also significantly impact the Knicks’ wing rotation. The 29-year-old guard has been a vital 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-point range across 54 games.
Renowned for his relentless energy and impressive ability to rebound despite his position, Hart often assists the Knicks in controlling possessions and generating additional scoring opportunities.
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New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
Hart, a former Villanova standout and the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has evolved into one of the league’s most versatile guards. His consistent contributions earned him a four-year, $80.9 million contract extension with New York, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season. This agreement reflects the organization’s enduring confidence in his value as a fundamental component of the team’s core moving forward.
Towns, his teammate, is a decorated player with six All-Star selections, three All-NBA honors, and the 2015 Rookie of the Year award. He joined New York after being acquired in a significant trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
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Further Reading: Pacers Provide Update on Pascal Siakam’s Injury Status Ahead of Suns Matchup
This article initially appeared on Athlon Sports on March 13, 2026, first featured within their NBA coverage. To designate Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source, click here.