NBA Playoffs Second-Round Series Preview: Knicks vs. Pacers

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are set to renew their rivalry in the second round of the NBA postseason. New York advanced to the second round after dispatching the Philadelphia 76ers in six games, and the Pacers knocked off the Milwaukee Bucks in six. 

Knicks vs. Pacers Betting Odds

Series Odds: New York Knicks -250 | Indiana Pacers +200

Series Spread: New York Knicks -1.5 (-500) | Minnesota Timberwolves +1.5 (+375)

The Knicks are coming off a grueling six-game series with the 76ers, which was physically and emotionally draining. The Knicks showed they could win on the road and are comfortable coming from behind. The Knick’s toughness on the offensive glass will be rugged to stop, and Jalen Brunson played the last four games with his hair on fire.

The Pacers dispatched the Bucks in six games that were not as physically demanding. While the series was an upset (in terms of seeding), the Bucks were without their top two players most of the series. The Pacers went 1-2 on the road and 3-0 at home, so they could be in the driver’s seat if they could steal one at MSG.

Knicks Players to Watch

Jalen Brunson | Josh Hart | OG Anunoby  

The Knicks go as Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart go. Brunson ended the first round on a roll. Hart does not have to score to be a difference maker as he was the Knicks leading rebounder and extended many possessions with his offensive boards. He does whatever the Knicks need him to do. Former Indiana Hoosier OG Anunoby is the X-Factor in the series for the Knicks, as his athleticism and defensive skills can keep up with the Pacers. His dunk over Joel Embiid put an exclamation point on New York’s Game 6 win.

More Knicks: 5 Things I Learned | NYK Dominate With Toughness

Pacers Players to Watch

Tyrese Haliburton | Myles Turner | TJ McConnell 

Tyrese Haliburton had a breakout season for the Pacers, averaging 20 points per game. However, his scoring average dropped four points in the first round as defenses got tougher. This means that Myles Turner will be relied upon to pick up some of the slack on offense. TJ McConnell scored 20 points in the clincher against Milwaukee and, while usually just a piece of the offense, carried the Pacers to a win.

Best Bets

The Knicks-Pacers rivalry is renewed for the first time in over a decade, and this could be another physical and heated series. Both teams proved they could win on the road in the first round and protect home court, so this series should go at least six games (-155). While the Pacers won the season series, the Knicks’ winning in five games has the shortest odds (+280). 

Injury News

Bojan Bogdanovic (NYK) – Bogdanovic (foot) is out for the rest of the postseason.