Date: December 18, 2025 — Final injury report as of 11:30 AM ET

The New York Knicks walk into Indiana with the best record in the Atlantic Division and a busy training room. Hours before tip, the final injury report for Knicks–Pacers paints a tense picture: key starters listed as questionable, critical role players ruled out, and game-time decisions that could swing the night. For a team sitting at 18-7 and first in the division, it’s a test of depth and poise on the road.

Knicks injury report vs. Pacers: Who’s in, who’s out

The headline items are clear and important. OG Anunoby, who has been a major two-way engine, is listed as questionable. The notes around his knee have shifted during the week, but the most recent detail lands here: “Anunoby is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pacers with a left knee contusion.” The broader listing reads simply: “OG Anunoby (knee) – QUESTIONABLE.”

Josh Hart’s durability is under a new spotlight. He’s also questionable with an abdominal issue, reflected in multiple places as “Josh Hart (abdominal) – QUESTIONABLE” and “Hart (abdominal strain) is questionable for Thursday’s game versus the Pacers.” Hart has played every game since missing the opener, anchoring a lot of the dirty work that drives wins.

The frontcourt hinges on two big calls. Karl-Anthony Towns is a game-time decision with a knee tag, while Mitchell Robinson’s status is tied to left ankle management and is likewise in the GTD/questionable range. Both decisions will shape how New York defends the paint and controls the glass.

Two guards are definitively out. “Miles McBride (ankle) – OUT,” with the left ankle sprain expected to keep him sidelined at least into Dec. 19. Landry Shamet (right shoulder sprain) is also out and will miss time; “Shamet (shoulder) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN.” He is expected to be out until at least Dec. 24.

“If OG sits, who guards the Pacers’ wings for 35 minutes?”

OG Anunoby’s knee and why it changes the matchup

Anunoby’s value shows up in the margins and the box score. He’s the player Tom Thibodeau leans on when an opponent’s best wing gets hot, and he’s become a clean spacer who punishes rotations. The recent reminder of his ceiling came on a big stage: 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block on 10-for-17 shooting in the NBA Cup Championship against San Antonio. That is exactly the two-way burst the Knicks may need in Indiana.

If Anunoby plays, the Knicks can match size and strength on the perimeter without overextending others. If he doesn’t, New York’s wing defense and spot-up structure become a puzzle, and the Knicks will need to mix coverages and trust their help. The good news: a contusion label points to pain tolerance more than long-term risk. The bad news: those decisions often come down to warmups.

Josh Hart’s abdominal strain: the glue under strain

Hart does the small things that win games. He sprints into rebounds, kicks out to shooters, and guards up a position. That’s why his status matters even if he isn’t always the scoring star. An abdominal strain is tricky because it touches running, contact, and lift on jumpers. If he’s active, expect the same full-tilt approach, but the staff may watch his minutes and collisions.

If he’s out, the Knicks lose an all-purpose connector, which affects transition defense and second-chance points. It also raises the importance of clean rotations and gang rebounding from the guards and wings.

“No Hart on the glass? That’s 5–6 boards the Pacers don’t have to fight for.”

Frontcourt watch: Towns and Robinson as game-time calls

Two choices, one front line balance. Towns’ knee tag makes his status a game-time decision. His presence stretches defenses and opens driving lanes. He bends coverages by simply being on the floor. Robinson’s left ankle management is about stability and timing; he’s the back-line anchor who deters drives and cleans the defensive glass.

If both play, New York’s identity looks familiar: pressure on the rim, sturdy protection, and a clean rebounding edge. If one (or both) sit, the Knicks will need more switching and more help at the point of attack. That’s a heavy ask on the road, especially against a team that likes to run after misses.

Backcourt depth hit: McBride out, Shamet sidelined

Miles McBride’s left ankle sprain takes a reliable on-ball defender and secondary handler off the board. He’s out at least through Dec. 19. Landry Shamet’s right shoulder sprain removes a movement shooter who can juice second units with spacing. He’s out and won’t be re-evaluated for four weeks.

Practically, this means fewer guard options to soak up spot minutes, fewer easy weak-side threes, and more pressure on primary ball-handlers to create clean looks late in the clock. The rotations tighten, and mistakes get louder.

What we know about the Pacers’ side

Official Pacers statuses were limited in the available materials. A prior note referenced rookie Pacome Dadiet as questionable with a left ankle sprain, but there was no comprehensive Indiana update alongside New York’s final report. In other words, the Knicks’ choices may matter more than Indiana’s today.

Stakes, style, and a road test for a first-place team

At 18-7, this is a confidence game for the Knicks. The record says elite. The injury list says focus. To win in Indiana, New York will need to:

• Control the glass, especially if Hart and Robinson are limited.
• Win the turnover margin to fuel easy points.
• Protect the arc and force long drives into help.
• Find secondary scoring if Anunoby or Towns sit.

None of this is rocket science. It’s discipline and next-man-up. The Knicks have answered these calls all fall. Tonight, they may have to do it again with the rotation in motion right up to tip.

“First place is earned on nights like this — win the 50/50s and get on the plane.”

The bottom line

This final report makes one thing clear: availability will be the biggest matchup. OG Anunoby and Josh Hart sit at the top of that list as true game shapers. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson could swing the paint battle. Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are out, trimming guard depth and shooting.

It’s the kind of December road game that reveals a contender’s habits. If New York stays sharp, manages minutes, and keeps the defensive standard, the result can follow — with or without a full deck.