Indiana Pacers.
Game 1 Winner.
Game 555.
4:30 PM PST/7:30 PM EST.
There are a few underlying story plots in this Pacers/Knicks matchup. For starters, New York PG, Jalen Brunson, who leads all the NBA players in scoring this postseason, and Indiana HC, Rick Carlisle do not like one another at all. This stems back from their time together in Dallas. Then there is despite New York dropping two of three this season against Indiana, they are a six-point favorite (as of this post). Both teams defeated solid opposition in the opening round of the playoffs, as the Pacers ousted the Bucks in six games, while the Knicks dispatched of the 76ers, also in six games. Neither has had any extra time to rest, heal, or prepare for this round. Both squads have some personnel that are listed as questionable (check status). The old adage of "offense gets glory, but defense wins the games" is resonating here. The Pacers possess the League’s No.1 scoring offense as well as its best squad in field goal percentage. The Knicks happened to own the NBA's second-ranked scoring defense. They are also monsters at both end of the court on the boards. I really do feel these two teams not only know each other well, but dislike each other even more. I do feel the Indiana offense is going to be able to put up points, especially behind their stellar, three-point shooting. This is a place in which the Knicks had some difficulty this year defensively. As a matter fact, it has been their Achilles heel. And I think this will be the difference maker. Taking the Pacers. Thank you.