The NBA determined that the referees made only one mistake during the game between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, with Pascal Siakam not being called for an offensive foul. Jalen Brunson of the Knicks was not fouled on a crucial three-point attempt at the end of the game, as it was deemed to be only marginal contact. Another controversial play was a block by Myles Turner on Josh Hart which replays showed may have been goaltending, but it was not reviewed due to timing. Pacers’ OG Anunoby was ruled out of Game 4, and the team added new injuries to their report for Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith.
The Knicks have no draft lottery picks this year, but they have a stake in the results. They own the Pistons’ and Wizards’ picks in 2025, but they have protections. A favorable outcome for the Pistons or Wizards in this year’s draft could increase the chances that their picks convey to the Knicks in the future. In the upcoming draft, the Knicks have the 24th and 25th picks, with the 24th coming from the Mavericks as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade. The 2024 draft class is considered weak, with no clear consensus on the top pick.
After OG Anunoby was ruled out of Game 4, the Knicks made adjustments, starting Precious Achiuwa at power forward. However, this move did not pan out as Achiuwa struggled and played limited minutes in the loss. Miles McBride took on more minutes in the fourth quarter, but the team struggled offensively, scoring just 16 points on 21% shooting. Anunoby has been a key player for the Knicks in the fourth quarter during the playoffs, and his absence was felt in the crucial moments of Game 3.
Former Pacers center Roy Hibbert was a special guest at Game 3, famously known for his block on Carmelo Anthony during the 2013 Eastern Conference semis. The Pacers won the game against the Knicks, with multiple controversial calls and injuries impacting both teams. Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith are questionable for Game 4, while OG Anunoby is officially out for the matchup. Despite the setbacks, both teams are vying for a win to advance in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Going into Game 4, both the Knicks and Pacers are dealing with injuries to key players, with updates on their availability pending. The Lakers determined that there were missed calls in Game 3, sparking controversy and frustration for the teams involved. The Knicks have a vested interest in the draft lottery results this year, as they have protections on the Pistons’ and Wizards’ picks for 2025. The Knicks are looking to make the most of their draft picks in the upcoming years, with the potential for new talent to bolster their roster.
