Round Two: Pacers vs. Knicks Series Overview
- Series Start Date: Saturday, May 6 | Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden – New York
- TV Channel: TNT
- Series Odds: Knicks (-245) per DraftKings Sportsbook
New York Knicks Overview
In our season preview, we had the Knicks improving upon their 47-35 record and having their most successful regular season since 2013. Shoutout to Jaydon Simmons for nailing both of those predictions. The Knicks enjoyed their first 50 win season since 2013, earning them a second seed.
However, that landed them a matchup against Joel Embiid and the 76ers. But the Knicks grinded out a tough six-game series thanks to some incredible performances by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. They also showed great versatility and have the personnel to play both small ball or with size in the frontcourt. And most importantly, Jalen Brunson has undoubtedly been the best player in the NBA Playoffs so far.
The Knicks find themselves back in the second round for the first time since 2013. Coincidentally, they also faced the Indiana Pacers that year, losing in six games.
Indiana Pacers Overview
Before the season began, we predicted the Pacers to be a play-in team that hovered around .500 in the regular season. The Pacers seemed on track for that result until their acquisition of Pascal Siakam in January. All they gave up was Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis, Jordan Nwora, and two 2024 first-round picks. The Pacers have only gone 23-18 since Siakam arrived in Indiana, but it was good for a 47-35 record and sixth place in the East. That landed them an advantageous matchup against a Giannis-less Bucks team.
Without Giannis, the Pacers jumped out to a commanding 3-1 lead. The Pacers frontcourt of Myles Turner and Siakam led the way offensively while Tyrese Haliburton played distributor, averaging 9.3 assists per game. Some great performances by Damien Lillard and Khris Middleton kept the series competitive, but the Pacers closed it out in six.
The Pacers will also be back in the second round for the first time since 2013. But this time they are heavy underdogs.
Pacers Knicks Series Prediction
This series will be a bit of a style clash as the Pacers like to get out in transition and are 2nd in overall pace. Conversely, New York is 30th and likes to limit the other teams possessions. Because of this, rebounding will play a vital role for each team in the series. Indiana is 26th in defensive rebounding while New York is the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA. Their ability to get second-chance points was one of the main reasons for beating Philly.
Overall, I think the Knicks have the personnel to matchup with Indiana’s front court should they wish to. But I expect the Knicks to shrink their rotation and have OJ Anunoby guarding Pascal Siakam. As for the point guard battle, Jalen Brunson averaged 36 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists on 49/32/83 shooting vs. Indiana in the regular season. I don’t think Haliburton is playing at a high enough level offensively to keep up with Brunson’s scoring. His poor shooting from outside will hinder also their offense down the stretch of games.
Prediction: Knicks win 4-2
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