The New York Knicks are staring down elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals. After dropping Game 4 to the Indiana Pacers, the series now returns to Madison Square Garden with the Knicks trailing 3-1. But the excitement of a potential comeback is clouded by troubling news regarding their star big man, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns has been listed as questionable for Game 5 with a left knee contusion. The game is scheduled for Thursday. It is essentially a do-or-die scenario for New York. It makes the timing of the injury particularly concerning. The team is just one loss away from being sent home.
Karl-Anthony Towns QUESTIONABLE Game 5 – left knee contusion – Knicks announce pic.twitter.com/ND1W6ZV8qV
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 28, 2025
The injury occurred late in Game 4, with just over 2:11 minutes remaining. Towns collided hard with Indiana star Aaron Nesmith and immediately dropped to the floor. The sight was alarming, especially given that it’s the same knee on which Towns underwent surgery earlier in 2024 to repair a torn meniscus.
Despite the injury scare, Towns delivered a strong performance in Game 4. He finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. If he can play through the pain or recover in time, his presence could be the difference-maker in extending the series.
Tom Thibodeau Offers Cautious Update On Karl-Anthony Towns
After the loss, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was asked about Towns’ condition and whether the team was concerned heading into the must-win Game 5. The coach suggested that Towns’ return to the game, even briefly, might indicate the injury isn’t as severe as feared.
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“He was able to go back in, so that’s a good sign. We’ll see where he is after he gets evaluated,” Thibodeau said.
Still, the evaluation and response from medical staff will ultimately determine if KAT suits up for Game 5.
