Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks: Analysis and Prediction – Indiana Pacers will host New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs Game 3.
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Odds
Indiana Pacers Team News
Indiana Pacers had two solid opportunities at Madison Square Garden to make a breakt, but they fell short both times, with the New York Knicks emerging victorious on both occasions. Now, Rick Carlisle’s team must defend their home court twice in the next two games to keep their chances alive in the series.
In both games so far, the Pacers have shot well from beyond the arc, which has been their trademark throughout the season. However, their biggest weakness, defense, has been exposed, allowing the Knicks to score 251 points combined in the two matchups. Tyrese Haliburton shone in Game 2 with 34 points after a dismal start to the series, and Pascal Siakam has consistently contributed. Both players will need to shoulder even greater responsibility in Indianapolis, as without their best performances, the Pacers won’t make much headway against the Knicks. Obi Toppin has been a significant factor off the bench and appears particularly motivated against his former team.
The advantage for the Indiana Pacers lies in their greater depth and more players in rotation compared to the New York Knicks. While this didn’t yield results in the first two clashes, it could make a difference on their home court. Of course, they must also respond to the opponent with defensive toughness, as without it, they won’t achieve much in this series.
New York Knicks Team News
The New York Knicks are a true warrior team in this playoffs, in every sense of the word. They secured victory in six grueling games against the Philadelphia 76ers and are now on a similar path against the Indiana Pacers, leading 2-0 after two games at Madison Square Garden.
When we talk about a warrior team, three reasons come to mind in the case of the Knicks. First, they give their all on defense, with no let-up for even a second. They fight for every loose ball, a trademark of all Tom Thibodeau teams. However, like in any war, you may lose some soldiers now and then, and that’s precisely what’s happening to the Knicks. Julius Randle has long finished his season, Bojan Bogdanovic and Mitchell Robinson have also ended their playoffs due to injuries, but that doesn’t slow down the Knicks. Whoever’s number Thibodeau calls, the player responds. And finally, they have their general, Jalen Brunson. In this playoffs, the former Villanova standout is making history for this franchise. He carries the team in every sense, and even when he missed almost the entire first half of the second game due to injury, the team didn’t falter because someone always steps up. This time it was OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo.
Game 2 could leave scars on the Knicks. Brunson and Anunoby suffered injuries that caused them to miss part of the match, and Josh Hart plays constantly for all 48 minutes, which must take its toll at some point. However, they will give their all for victory, although sometimes to win the war you have to lose some battles.
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Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks H2H
New York Knicks lead 2-0 in this best-of-series. Indiana Pacers won two out of three matchups in the regular season.
Absences and Injuries
Bennedict Mathurin is injured and will not play for the Indiana Pacers. Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mitchell Robinson, Duane Washington and Charlie Brown are sidelined for the New York Knicks, and OG Anunoby is questionable.
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Prediction
Indiana Pacers have the quality to win at least one game in this series, and if they’re going to win any, it’s this one. It’s possible that OG Anunoby won’t be available for the New York Knicks, which would be a significant handicap. Some players for the visitors are overused, and if the home team establishes a high lead in the first half, perhaps coach Thibodeau won’t push too hard in the second half, conserving the strength of his players for Game 4, which could be crucial for the entire series. Even if that’s not the case, with an excellent performance from Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers can outplay the entire Knicks team at home.
Tip-off Time: Saturday, 11.05.2024, 01:00 CET
Prediction: Indiana Pacers -5.5
Odds: 1.71
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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