Old foes are set to meet in the postseason, with a trip to the NBA Finals up for grabs. The Knicks and Pacers have a long history of hatred, dating back to the days of Spike Lee vs. Reggie Miller. Now, a new chapter in this historic rivalry is upon us. New York vs. Indiana; who will win the Eastern Conference Finals?
The Knicks are favorites (-140) over the Pacers on DraftKings Sportsbook. The line on total games in this series is over 5.5 (-165). Before Game 1 gets started on Wednesday, let’s preview how both teams match up before making a prediction.
Knicks vs. Pacers preview, prediction
These two teams met in last season’s playoffs, with the Pacers prevailing over seven games. However, the Knicks suffered a litany of injuries, relying almost solely on the Herculean efforts of Jalen Brunson. New York enters this series with a clean bill of health, and a few new faces. Center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a difference-maker this postseason, averaging 19.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Mikal Bridges is one of basketball’s best two-way players, capable of wreaking havoc on both ends of the court.
That’s not to say last year’s series was a fluke. The Pacers have only improved since then, winning 50 games for the first time in over a decade. Head coach Rick Carlisle has one of basketball’s deepest rosters, capable of utilizing a ten-man rotation. Guard Tyrese Haliburton orchestrates the NBA’s seventh-highest scoring attack (117.4 PPG), buoyed by All-Star Pascal Siakam at power forward. Since the All-Star break, Indiana owns the association’s sixth-best record (20-9).
What makes this such a fascinating matchup is the contrast in style. The Knicks prefer to grind out wins, playing at basketball’s fifth-slowest tempo. That’s a far cry from the Pacers, who love running out in transition and firing away from three-point range. Last year, it was Indiana that forced New York to play their brand of basketball. Five of the seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals saw at least 215 total points scored. However, the presence of wings Bridges and O.G. Anunoby, injured during Game 2, changes the equation this time around.
Knicks vs. Pacers series pick, best bet
Regardless of who advances, it’s difficult to envision this being a short series. Each side is confident, battle-tested, and familiar with this matchup. In a wide-open postseason field, there’s also a feeling that neither side will have a better chance at winning a title. Keeping that in mind, this best-of-seven set is sure to have plenty of dramatics.
These teams are evenly matched, having gone the distance last season. The biggest x-factor will be Towns, a potential nightmare for the Pacers down low. Over KAT’s last five meetings with Indiana, he’s averaged 30.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. When these teams last met in February, the center dropped 40 points en route to a 13-point Knicks win.
If a somewhat undersized Pacers front court can contain Towns, Brunson will be forced to take some difficult shots. If New York’s second-best player finds success as a scorer, the entire offense should open up. This won’t be easy, and an Indiana series win wouldn’t be shocking. Still, this Knicks squad is resilient; expect a nail-biting Game 7 victory at MSG.
BEST BET: Knicks win series (-140)
When does the Knicks vs. Pacers series start?
The opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Pacers in the NBA Playoffs tips off on Wednesday, May 21st, at 8:00 p.m. EST.
