Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: Amazon Prime Video (national), MSG (Knicks local)
This is an NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament) East Group B matchup. Both teams entered 0-1 in group play and need a win to stay alive in the standings. The Knicks are the defending champions (per reports) and sit fifth in the East; the Pacers are 11th.
Recent Form
Knicks (last 5): L 107-115 vs. Cleveland (Nov. 11), W 117-85 vs. Milwaukee (Nov. 10), W 109-97 at Cleveland (Nov. 7), W 135-105 vs. Chicago (Nov. 4), W 103-90 vs. Brooklyn (Nov. 2). They are 4-1 in that span with strong defensive showings in several wins. Road record is 2-2.
Pacers (last 5, approximate from reports): Recent results include a home win over Washington and mixed outcomes on the road. Overall 4-8 with a 1-4 home mark entering this game. They have struggled without star playmaking.
Injury Reports
Knicks: No major injuries listed on primary reports. Full complement of rotation players expected available (Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, etc.). Minor or two-way notes exist in some trackers but do not impact the core.
Pacers:
G Tyrese Haliburton (left hamstring strain) — Out (expected to miss additional time; reports indicate at least ~10 more days as of mid-week).
G Ben Sheppard (left meniscus surgery) — Out.
G/F Johnny Furphy (right ACL repair/surgery) — Out (season-long recovery).
G/F Aaron Nesmith (sore right knee) — Questionable/day-to-day (left previous game early).
G T.J. McConnell has returned from hamstring issues in some recent games.
Current Rosters / Probable Starters
Knicks projected starters: Jalen Brunson (G), Landry Shamet (G), Mikal Bridges (F), OG Anunoby (F), Karl-Anthony Towns (C). Key reserves include Josh Hart, Miles McBride, Andre Drummond.
Pacers projected starters: Andrew Nembhard (G), Aaron Nesmith (G/F, if available), Kelly Oubre Jr. (F), Pascal Siakam (F), Ivica Zubac (C). Key pieces include Obi Toppin and returning energy from McConnell.
Key statistical leaders: Brunson (~26 PPG, playmaking), Towns (double-double machine with strong rebounding), Siakam (Pacers’ primary scoring option without Haliburton), Nembhard (facilitator).
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Jalen Brunson vs. Andrew Nembhard / Pacers backcourt: Brunson’s scoring and creation against a depleted Indiana perimeter without Haliburton. Nembhard must limit Brunson’s penetration.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Ivica Zubac: Interior battle — Towns’ scoring/rebounding vs. Zubac’s size and rim protection. Towns has been on a double-double streak.
OG Anunoby / Mikal Bridges vs. Pascal Siakam / Kelly Oubre Jr.: Wing defense and two-way play. Anunoby’s length and Bridges’ versatility against Siakam’s isolation scoring.
Rebounding and pace: Knicks’ size advantage (Towns + Drummond) vs. Pacers’ need to push tempo without their primary playmaker.
Special teams and transition will favor the healthier, more structured Knicks side.
Series History
Knicks have dominated recent meetings, including a 136-110 win in New York on March 17, 2026. New York took three of four in the prior season series. All-time, the series is relatively competitive historically, but recent form heavily favors the Knicks.
Betting Trends
Knicks have been solid but mixed ATS early; Pacers better ATS than record suggests but hampered by injuries and poor home form. High totals have been common in some meetings, but defensive lean possible with Haliburton out.
New York’s superior talent, health, and defensive structure should overcome Indiana’s home court in this NBA Cup contest. The Pacers can keep it competitive with Siakam and Nembhard, but the depth and star power gap (especially without Haliburton) favors the defending champions extending their edge.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 7
Indiana Pacers 220
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, November 12, 2026
