The New York Knicks visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET. Listen to the live radio broadcast or watch the live stream via the links provided below.
New York (15-23) enjoyed a five-game winning streak until Tuesday, when they were handed a 108-98 loss by the Charlotte Bobcats. Tuesday's loss also revealed lingering friction between Knicks guard J.R. Smith and coach Mike Woodson, who chose to bench Smith for the second time in four games.
Woodson declined to elaborate on why he benched Smith, although a report from ESPN indicated the two had a heated exchange on Monday over Smith's playing time in the Phoenix Suns game. The report also said Smith was late on Tuesday to a team meeting.
Despite the drama, Woodson said Smith would play on Thursday, according to the New York Post.
"I need J.R. every game, every game I need J.R.," Woodson said on Thursday, via The Post. "And J.R. will be back in uniform today and we'll go from there."
While the Knicks continue to try to turn their season around, the Pacers (30-7) sit atop the Eastern Conference with a three-game lead over No. 2 Miami. Pacers forward Paul George has made a strong case to be labeled "superstar" with his performance throughout the season. Although he struggled against Washington, he bounced back on Tuesday with 31 points in a win over Sacramento.
"I wasn't shooting the ball well. I try to limit those, but some nights it's going to be like that, I guess," George told the team website, via ESPN. "(Against the Kings) I got into a rhythm."
Indiana has won their last six games against New York. Despite the record, however, the Pacers haven't slouched in their preparation for Thursday.
"The Knicks have been playing well," Pacers guard Lance Stephenson said. "We just have to stop what they like to do and bring energy, and bring excitement. Play hard defense, send them to Roy (Hibbert), who's doing a good job playing defense and blocking shots."
Listen to the live radio broadcast HERE (NYK) and HERE (IND), or watch the live stream HERE.
