NBA Playoffs: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Series Odds, and Picks

• The Pacers upset the banged-up Bucks, winning Game 6 and making the 2nd round.
• New York bounced back in Game 6, defeating the 76ers 4-2 in their series to advance.
• Indiana went 2-1 against the Knicks this season, winning by an average margin of 8 points.

The NBA postseason’s first round is wrapping up as the second round begins. Let’s preview this clash between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. These two teams have a storied rivalry in the postseason, raising the stakes for this series.

How to Watch

Preview

The Pacers defeated the Bucks in six games, advancing to the second round. Despite being the 6-seed against the 3-seed, they dominated Milwaukee in the series. Indiana’s offense was the best in the NBA this season, and showcased their ability in the four victories, scoring 120 or more points in each of them. On the other hand, they were vulnerable on the road, averaging just 93 points in the two losses. The Pacers need to get off to a hot start in the first two games in New York in this upcoming series.

The Knicks escaped disaster against the 76ers after blowing Game 5, advancing to the second round following Game 6. Indiana had the Knicks’ number this season and will prove to be a capable test for their defense. Jalen Brunson exploded for nearly 40 ppg in Games 3-5, after struggling in the first two. If Brunson maintains his hot play throughout the duration of this series, New York could make it further than expected. They’ll also be relying on the bench to help them keep pace with Indiana’s offense.

Prediction

New York and Indiana had a bitter postseason rivalry back in the late 1990s, with each team getting the better of one another a handful of times. They clashed once again in the second round in 2013, the Knicks best season in over a decade. The Pacers had the last laugh, though, sending Carmelo Anthony and the 54-win Knicks packing. It figures to be another excellent matchup between the two in 2024. I expect this one to go the full seven games, with the Pacers poised to pull off another major upset.

NBA Picks

• Pacers in 7 (IND +240)