The New York Knicks face a significant hurdle ahead of their Eastern Conference Finals showdown with the Indiana Pacers, as two of their key frontcourt contributors—Precious Achiuwa and Ariel Hukporti—are dealing with injuries that could sideline them for the crucial series. Achiuwa, a versatile forward, sustained an ankle injury late in the semifinal series against the Celtics. While he managed to suit up for Game 6, the lingering nature of the injury casts doubt on his ability to play full minutes or maintain his usual defensive impact against a physical Pacers squad.
Meanwhile, rookie center Ariel Hukporti is unlikely to return to the lineup after suffering a torn meniscus in February. Despite early optimism about a 4–6 week recovery window, he remains out of the active rotation and has been rehabbing with the Westchester Knicks. His absence is a blow to the Knicks’ interior depth, especially as they prepare to counter Indiana’s strong frontcourt. With these setbacks, the burden will fall heavier on Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson to hold the paint, while Tom Thibodeau looks for creative ways to fill the rotational gaps.
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