2024 NBA Playoffs Preview: New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers – Only one spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
It seems that the popular “Knickerbockers” are ready for anything thrown at them. They stoically withstood all of Joel Embiid’s dirty tricks and repeated their success from last year. They eliminated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games, which was no easy task, especially against the in-form Tyrese Maxey.
On the other hand, the Indiana Pacers took full advantage of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence due to injury, and Damian Lillard was hobbled and missed the fifth game. Rick Carlisle’s team also eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers – H2H
New York Knicks Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts: Certainly, the biggest advantage of this team is the inspiration from Jalen Brunson. He is gradually becoming a superstar and is being hailed as the “King of New York” by fans. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, he had several 40+ point games, showcasing immense confidence. Alongside him is Josh Hart, who fights for every ball as if it’s the last possession. Good roles were also played by O.G. Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, who managed to contain Embiid to some extent, especially Anunoby, who even blocked him a few times.
- Weaknesses: If you look at the statistics on your phone or computer after each New York Knicks game, you’ll notice one thing. The starters hardly come out of the game. Tom Thibodeau relies heavily on seven reliable players. At some point, fatigue will inevitably catch up with them, and if any of these “Magnificent Seven” get injured, a significant question arises: What is the plan B?
Indiana Pacers Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts: Rick Carlisle pushes for fast, attractive basketball. They play an up-tempo style, often scoring over 140 points during the regular season. In the last game of the regular season, they scored 157 points. They’re a young team led by Tyrese Haliburton who aren’t afraid of engaging in a high-scoring game because their mentality is “We will always score more than you.” Additionally, Pascal Siakam’s experience has added a new dimension to the team. Expect a high number of points in games, especially at “Gainbridge Fieldhouse.”
- Weaknesses: The three-point shot is a hallmark of modern NBA basketball, with players of the Indiana Pacers attempting nearly 3000 threes outside the arc this season. While they’ve shown they can handle a high volume of three-point attempts, if that slows down, what’s the backup plan? Additionally, the Pacers rank 24th in defensive rating, making them among the worst defensively in the league. While their offense is potent, there’s a need to focus on defense as well.
X-factor: Miles “Deuce” McBride
X-factor is a player who operates in the shadows. He’s always essential in series where things can break quickly. Of course, sometimes these situations can be prolonged, but one member of the New York Knicks stands out – Miles McBride.
He’s one of the guys constantly on the court for Tom Thibodeau’s team. Despite having the least playing time among these players, he’s shown that he can be crucial in two ways. His perimeter defense is very good, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s tasked with guarding Haliburton in certain moments, while Brunson handles T.J. McConnell, if the experienced coach decides on that strategy.
Additionally, three-point shooting is one of his strengths, and he’s shown that he can score. In the first game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored 21 points, and he’s had games with 14 and 15 points as well. He could be a significant contributor in this series.
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers: Three things to watch out
- Jalen Brunson vs anyone: If the Indiana Pacers want to win this series, they’ll have to somehow contain the brilliant point guard. He’s in the form of his life, a true leader on the court, and eager to prove himself. He’s scored over 35 points in the last three games, becoming the first since Michael Jordan to do so in the playoffs. So, how do you quiet him? Haliburton isn’t the best solution as he’s not known for his defense. McConnel is of similar size and style, and he can be a pest defensively, but Obi Toppin, who was with the New York Knicks, likely knows some of his tendencies.
- Rotation Battle: Rick Carlisle has a deep bench and gives every player a chance. On the other hand, we’ve already highlighted the Knicks’ seven-man rotation (Hart, Brunson, DiVincenzo, Robinson, Hartenstein, McBride, and Anunoby). They are trusted to carry that heavy load. Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanovic could have helped, but unfortunately, they are injured. Benches can often tip the scales, not just in the regular season but also in the NBA playoffs. So, Thibodeau’s rotation and whether he gives a chance to someone outside the mentioned players will be crucial, albeit unlikely.
- Factor “Madison Square Garden”: Isiah Hartenstein mentioned that the team’s fans are the closest thing to European fans. There are no more loyal fans in the entire NBA than those of the team from the Big Apple. They’ve seen a lot over the years, often criticized their players, but now they believe. They believe they can win a title for the first time in 51 years. “Madison Square Garden” is very loud, and this season, it’s added an extra dose of energy when it seemed the Knicks might lose a game. New times have come, and when this team’s fans harbor optimism and belief, know that something special is brewing.
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers: Prediction
On both sides, there’s no lack of confidence. The Indiana Pacers are entering new territory with an experienced coach and some seasoned individuals, but their core consists of young players who haven’t yet faced the top teams in the East. Everything that happened this season is paving the way for future success. While they did defeat the Milwaukee Bucks, it was without Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard was playing through injury. In that sense, luck played a part in their success to some extent.
On the other hand, there’s a sense of optimism in New York that hasn’t been felt in a while. And it’s backed by tangible results. They’ve defeated their rivals, replicated last year’s success, and are aiming higher. Making it to the Eastern Conference Finals would be their first time in 24 years, and they certainly don’t want to extend that drought to a quarter-century.
The New York Knicks have the advantage of home court, and the “Madison Square Garden” can be an intimidating place, especially for the Indiana Pacers who have historicaly struggled there in the past. The team chemistry is strong, particularly with the trio from Villanova University (Hart, Brunson, Divincenzo), and they have the largest audience in the entire NBA behind them. Therefore, these are sufficient reasons to believe in the New York Knicks advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals and seeking revenge for their defeat in the same stage of the competition 11 years ago.
Prediction: New York Knicks in five