The Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers have been nothing short of a fever dream. Seriously, after getting absolutely rocked twice at home, the Knicks rolled into Indiana for Game 3 looking like their season was, well, toast. But then, in classic “Knicks gonna Knick” fashion (you know, the whole “never say die” vibe that makes you both love and hate them), they pulled off an insane 20-point comeback. They straight-up stole a win, making this a real series at 2-1 and avoiding the well of death. Now, all eyes are glued to Game 4, back in that loud Indiana arena. Can the Knicks actually even the score, or will the Pacers protect their home court and push New York to the absolute brink?

So much of it, as always, comes down to who’s healthy and who’s ready to leave it all on the floor. The injury report just dropped, and trust me, it’s got everyone on the edge.

Knicks vs Pacers injury report: Brunson is a go, but a key Pacer is now a question mark

Alright, let’s get to the one question every Knicks fan is sweating about: Is Jalen Brunson playing tonight? You can literally breathe a sigh of relief, because yes, Jalen Brunson is good to go. He’s not on the injury report, and in fact, the Knicks are rolling into this monster Game 4 with a completely clean bill of health – zero names on their official injury list. That’s absolutely huge, especially since there were injury concerns for KAT and Josh Hart after that wild game three.

Brunson, who dropped 23 points in game 3 despite being in foul trouble for what felt like the entire game, had a classic five-word reaction that perfectly summed up this whole series: “Unpredictable. No lead is safe.” That’s the exact mentality you need from your star.

Now, on the Pacers’ side, things are looking a little more concerning for them. Their key wing, Aaron Nesmith, is officially listed as questionable for tonight. Remember, Nesmith went down with that nasty-looking right ankle sprain in the third quarter of Game 3? He toughed it out and actually returned to the game, which was wild, but how effective he’ll be, or if he can even go, is a massive question mark.

Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis reported his questionable status. Nesmith’s potential absence or limitation could be a game-changer. He was the hero of Game 1 with that incredible shooting display, and he’s one of their primary defenders, often tasked with trying to slow down Brunson. His injury in Game 3 definitely seemed to give the Knicks a window to make their comeback. Furthermore, Isaiah Jackson will also remain out. 

Will the real Jalen Brunson please stand up? NYC’s lookalike contest brings the laughs

Okay, so while the Knicks are battling it out in Indiana for Game 4, you gotta love the energy back in New York City. With Jalen Brunson becoming an absolute legend in the making, the fandom has hit a whole new level of fun. Get this: Monday night, right on the steps of the Moynihan Train Station – basically across the street from Madison Square Garden – they held a Jalen Brunson lookalike contest! How epic is that?!

About fifteen Brunson doppelgängers showed up, all trying their best to impersonate the Knicks’ star point guard. You had guys like Miracle Pierre, who came all the way from Bloomfield, New Jersey, totally nailing the look. He said, “I already had the locks, the hair twisted up.” And his outfit? Spot on. “You know, the compression pants, the sleeve”. Then there was Anthony Hemmings from Queens, just soaking in the vibe, saying, “The Knicks is putting some energy into the city right now that is much needed and you got to love it.” He’s not wrong! The whole city is buzzing, for real.

The whole thing was put together by the marketing crew at the Sports App Novig, and the guys from the sports comedy “Last Take Show” were the judges. The contestants really went all out. One dude even showed up dressed as a goat, because, you know, Brunson is the GOAT in his eyes. There was even a dog rocking a Knicks jersey and braids! You literally can’t make this stuff up. The dedication was next level.

In the end, though, there could only be one “real” Jalen Brunson (for the night, anyway). Zachary Davidson from Astoria, Queens, took home the win. And his prize? Two free tickets to Game Five back at MSG! Davidson was pumped, saying, “It will be my first Knicks Game in MSG. I’m excited, so excited.”

That’s what it’s all about, right? The playoffs bring the intensity, but fun stuff like this just shows how much this Knicks team, and especially Jalen Brunson, means to the city. It’s more than just basketball; it’s a whole mood.