In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Knicks C Karl-Anthony Towns injured his left knee late in the game after a collision with Pacers SF Aaron Nesmith.
Although he returned to finish Game 4, Towns was in visible discomfort and is currently listed as questionable for Game 5 on Thursday, May 29.
KAT’s injury status will affect player projections on PrizePicks NBA, where you can win real money with your player predictions every day of the NBA Playoffs.
Will Karl-Anthony Towns Play in Game 5 Tonight?
Officially listed as questionable with a left knee contusion, Towns’ injury status will likely come down to pain tolerance, which could be pushed to the limit in a win-or-go-home Game 5 for the Knicks.
Because he finished Game 4, and it is an elimination game, you can tentatively expect Towns to suit up on Thursday. However, we likely won’t have official word on Towns’ status until closer to game time, which is set for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT and Max.
Whether he participates in shootaround on Thursday morning should give us some indication of Towns’ status for the game.
NBA Cheat Sheet Today: Find more picks for Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 here
What to Expect Without KAT for Knicks
Towns has been a key component for the Knicks throughout the Playoffs, as he’s averaged 25.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game vs. the Pacers. If they're without Towns, the Knicks will be without any scoring options down low, as Mitchell Robinson would likely start in his place.
Towns’ injury also leaves question marks for PrizePicks NBA for Thursday, as his injury would not only shift the projections for the Knicks, but also the outcome of the game. The Knicks were 5-5 without Towns this season, with going 0-5 vs. Playoff teams, and 5-0 vs. non-playoff teams (Nets and 76ers).
That said, when it comes to PrizePicks and NBA DFS, if KAT is out, expect other Knicks starters to get a bump in usage. PG Jalen Brunson’s usage jumps from 31% with KAT on the floor to 34.1% without him; Anunoby jumps from 19.7% to 22.5%; Bridges from 19.7% to 22.2%, and Hart from 15.6% to 16.9%.
In terms of rebounding, Hart gets a small bump in rebounding opportunities, as does Anunoby — both of which jump about 2% without him on the floor.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Pacers Projections for Game 5
Here are the most popular Karl-Anthony Towns picks and projections for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as of 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, via the PrizePicks NBA board.
You can choose More or Less on these projections on PrizePicks to win real money on Thursday’s Pacers vs. Knicks game.
- 21.5 Points
- 34.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 11.5 Rebounds
- 7 FG Made
- 13 Rebs+Asts
- 4.5 3-Pt Attempted
- 1.5 Blocked Shots (Demon)
- 4 Personal Fouls
