In a thrilling playoff series that has been marked by injuries and intense competition, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers find themselves deadlocked at two games apiece heading into a crucial Game 5 showdown at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.

The injuries have undoubtedly become a major factor in this series, impacting both teams' performances. The Knicks have been hit hard, with OG Anunoby ruled out for the remaining games of the series, while Mitchell Robinson's postseason run came to an end after reaggravating his left ankle injury. Jalen Brunson, though insisting he is fine, has visibly struggled since hurting his right foot in Game 2. His diminished mobility has hindered his ability to create against the Pacers' relentless defense.

Meanwhile, the Pacers have faced their own injury challenges, with Tyrese Haliburton battling through a sprained ankle, back spasms, and a sacral contusion. However, Haliburton has stepped up in Games 3 and 4, becoming a driving force behind Indiana's offensive success.

One notable surprise in this series has been the resilience of the Pacers' bench unit. While the Knicks heavily rely on their starters, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has deployed a deeper rotation, with players like T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and rookie Ben Sheppard making significant contributions. This depth has allowed the Pacers to provide different looks and exploit matchup advantages, giving their starters much-needed rest against a Knicks team that leans heavily on their first unit.

After a lackluster performance in Game 4, questions have arisen regarding the Knicks' energy levels. The heavy minutes logged by their starters seemed to catch up with them, leading to defensive lapses and a lack of their trademark intensity. However, skepticism remains as to whether this was just a momentary blip or a sign that the Knicks are running out of gas.

On the other hand, Pacers writer Eric Nehm believes the Knicks will bounce back to their usual form in Game 5. With a couple of days of rest and the support of their passionate home crowd at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have shown tremendous will and fight throughout the season. Nehm anticipates that they will come out strong, determined to regain their momentum in this evenly matched series.

As both teams prepare for Game 5, there are potential adjustments on the horizon. Knicks writer Fred Katz suggests that the team may take inspiration from the Denver Nuggets, utilizing Aaron Gordon as a primary ball handler to free up Brunson and create more offensive opportunities. Nehm, however, believes that the Pacers should stick to what has been working, especially given their convincing 32-point victory in Game 4. He suggests utilizing Pascal Siakam's size advantage over Josh Hart to stabilize their offense.

In this tightly contested series, the X-factors could play a crucial role in determining the outcome. For the Knicks, the energetic play of Josh Hart will be essential, as his rebounding and defensive prowess often set the tone for the team's overall performance. On the other hand, Pacers' big man Myles Turner's ability to knock down 3-pointers could prove to be a game-changer.

To win the series, both teams have clear goals. The Knicks will rely heavily on Brunson's offensive impact, as his scoring ability can provide a much-needed boost to an injury-depleted lineup. The Pacers, on the other hand, need to limit Brunson's effectiveness while continuing to receive high-level production from Haliburton and executing well defensively.

As Game 5 looms large, the Knicks and Pacers face a pivotal moment in their postseason journey. With the series tied, both teams understand the importance of this game and will leave it all on the court in their quest for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.