Mar 13, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Knicks Lose Star Guard for Pacers Game

Originally posted on New York Knicks on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 6:07 PM ET

The New York Knicks are 44-25 and third in the East, but the last three wins have not been pretty. They needed a second-half rally against the Jazz, barely got past the Pacers in Indiana, and edged the Warriors by three. Now they host Indiana again, and the injury report has some news worth knowing before tip-off.

In a post on X, SNY insider Ian Begley confirmed that Jalen Brunson is out against Indiana, with Mitchell Robinson set to play.

Jalen Brunson is out vs Indy; Mitchell Robinson will play vs Pacers
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 17, 2026

It was not always this clear-cut. Brunson had started the day listed as questionable with right ankle management and a cervical strain. Robinson was also on the report with back tightness. As the hours passed, Brunson was downgraded to doubtful before being ruled out entirely.

Losing Brunson is never ideal, but this is about as good a game to miss as any. The Pacers are 15-53 and have lost 13 straight, so the Knicks are still favorites even without their starting point guard. The 1-4 record without him is worth watching, but Indiana is not exactly the team to test that number against.

Jose Alvarado steps into the starting lineup in Brunson's place against the Pacers.