Will Karl-Anthony Towns play tonight against the Indiana Pacers in East Conference Finals Game 5? Latest update on the New York Knicks star's injury report (May 29, 2025)

Time of India

29-05-2025

Gilbert Arenas makes an interesting comparison while reviewing Karl-Anthony Towns' performance in Game 3 (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Karl-Anthony Towns
faces uncertainty for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals after suffering a left knee contusion in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. The injury occurred during a collision with Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith, forcing Towns to briefly leave the game before returning to finish the contest.
The Knicks have officially listed their star forward as questionable for Thursday's elimination game at Madison Square Garden. Head coach Tom Thibodeau called Towns' return to Game 4 a "good sign" but confirmed the team will evaluate his condition during shootaround and pregame warmups before making a final decision.
Karl-Anthony Towns' Evaluation timeline and injury concerns
The left knee injury carries extra significance as it's the same knee Karl-Anthony Towns had surgery on earlier this season to repair a torn meniscus. Medical staff will monitor several factors before clearing him to play:
- Pain tolerance during lateral movements
- Swelling management after treatment
- Explosiveness in jumping and cutting drills
- Stability during contact simulations
The evaluation process will follow this schedule:
Time
Evaluation Stage
Decision Point
Morning
Shootaround participation
Initial mobility assessment
Afternoon
Treatment progress
Swelling check
Pregame
Warmup intensity
Final clearance
Karl-Anthony Towns' Expected availability and team impact
Despite the questionable designation, multiple reports indicate Towns will likely suit up for this must-win game.
The Knicks' probable starting lineup includes Towns, showing organizational confidence in his availability.
His potential absence would create significant challenges:
- Julius Randle would shoulder more offensive responsibility
- Bench players like Obi Toppin would see expanded minutes
- The team would lose their second-leading scorer (25.8 ppg in series)
- Rebounding would suffer without his 11.5 per game average
Towns' recent performance in the series
The three-time All-Star has been instrumental in keeping the Knicks competitive against the Pacers:
- Scored 24 points with 12 rebounds in Game 4 after injury
- Exploded for 20 fourth-quarter points in Game 3 comeback
- Shooting 48% from field and 42% from three-point range
- Playing 39.2 minutes per game in conference finals
What to watch for in Knicks vs Pacers Game 5 (May 29, 2025)
Fans and analysts should monitor these key indicators during pregame and early game action:
- Early substitution patterns for Towns
- Defensive mobility against Pacers guards
- Willingness to absorb contact in paint
- Jump shot consistency from perimeter
The Knicks enter Game 5 trailing 3-1 in the series, making Towns' potential participation critical to their hopes of forcing a Game 6 back in Indiana.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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His ability to play through pain could determine whether New York's season continues or ends on their home court.
Also read:
Tyrese Haliburton's injury status for New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers, East Finals Game 5 (May 29, 2025)
Final determination on Towns' status will come approximately 30 minutes before tipoff when teams submit official active player lists. All signs point toward him gutting it out, but the medical staff will have final say based on how his knee responds to pregame testing.