The Pacers and Pascal Siakam came one Karl-Anthony Towns heater away from flipping this series. Instead, they head into Game 4 down 2–1, holding their ground with confidence stitched together by duct tape and vibes. They blew a 20-point lead at home in Game 3—yes, at home—and now face awkward playoff limbo. One more misstep could send things spiraling.

Game 3 looked like a statement in the making. The Fieldhouse buzzed. Haliburton and Siakam started strong. Everything pointed toward a 2–1 lead. Then the turnovers hit—twelve in total, eight in the second half. The Knicks rode Towns’ flamethrower in the fourth quarter. The Pacers watched a game they once owned slip away.

The good news? Pascal Siakam keeps playing like the playoff veteran Indiana traded for. He’s good to go for Game 4—no injury tag, no restrictions. He’s delivered all postseason, dropped a playoff career-high 39 in Game 2, and averages over 21 points per game in the series. If the Pacers plan to bounce back, Siakam will lead the charge.

Aaron Nesmith sits as the lone name on the injury watchlist. He tweaked his ankle in Game 3, limped off, then returned and finished like nothing happened. He’s listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Unless major swelling shows up, he’ll likely play. Isaiah Jackson remains out with a torn Achilles. He hasn’t played since November, and tonight is not an exception.

Everyone else suits up. No new injuries popped up. Every healthy rotation player—aside from Jackson—stays in the mix. With the Knicks testing their depth, the Pacers need every able body on the floor.

Indiana Pacers Depth Chart vs The New York Knicks for Game 4

Indiana’s rotation hasn’t changed much, but the margin for error keeps shrinking. With Game 4 looming large, here’s how the Pacers stack up position-by-position, especially with Aaron Nesmith’s status dangling in the air.

Tyrese Haliburton remains the undisputed engine at point guard, pouring in 20 points and dishing out 7 assists in Game 3. When he rests, veteran T.J. McConnell brings steady defense and leadership off the bench, keeping the team’s momentum alive.

At shooting guard, Andrew Nembhard handles playmaking duties and keeps opposing wings honest. Aaron Nesmith’s availability—he tweaked his ankle but still finished Game 3—will be crucial for spacing and bench scoring. If Nesmith sits, the Pacers lose a key shooter who can stretch the floor.

On the wing, Bennedict Mathurin and Johnny Furphy supply athleticism and instant offense. Mathurin’s ability to attack the rim and knock down threes will challenge New York’s defense all night.

Pascal Siakam carries the load in the frontcourt at power forward. His steady two-way impact makes him essential for Indiana’s chances. When Siakam needs a breather, Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker step in with energy, rebounding, and rim protection.

As the Pacers head into Game 4, they stand at a crossroads. To stay alive, they must tighten their defense, reduce careless turnovers, and lean heavily on the steady hands of Siakam and Haliburton. The bench must step up, especially if Nesmith’s ankle keeps him sidelined. This isn’t just another game—it’s a must-win to avoid falling into a deep hole and letting the Knicks take full control of the series.