Knicks Injury Concerns Continue Before Pacers Showdown

Robinson's​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ absence is pretty much consistent with the whole season plan. But it still leaves a huge hole in rim protection and on the glass. Recently, however, Karl-Anthony Towns has taken over that job with good output.

Anunoby's right‑toe problem is the more disturbing thing: he has now missed two games in a row after being a daily starter, and the team has given little more than "soreness" in the official ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌reports.

How Will the Knicks Absorb Those Missing Minutes?

Even​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ without Robinson, the Knicks are probably going to rely more heavily on Karl‑Anthony Towns playing at the center position and giving some minutes to backup bigs like Ariel Hukporti, while wings are being asked to gang‑rebound to survive a Pacers team that is really good at attacking early in the shot clock.

If Anunoby is out, the minutes that he would have played at the forward spots will be shared once again between Mohamed Diawara, Josh Hart and Landry Shamet, while Mikal Bridges will be forced to defend the toughest perimeter matchups. This implies even more offense‑first lineups and significant difficulty keeping Indiana out of the paint and limiting their three‑point shots.

What’s Really Going On With OG Anunoby?

Anunoby’s​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ absence is a surprise, as he was initially listed as probable which then changed to questionable and eventually was ruled out against Detroit and then again versus Boston.

Until now, the Knicks have not given any specific timeline for his toe soreness, just calling him day‑to‑day and “questionable” before games. Considering how this front office has been very careful with Anunoby during his previous injuries, it would be normal if they decided to use the All‑Star break as an excuse and not risk rushing him back, even if that annoys those fans who want a definite return ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌date.