Pacers, Knicks Revive Old Rivalry in Second Round

It’s been 30 years since these two franchises started a rivalry that saw the Knicks and Pacers

meet in the playoffs 6 times in a span of 8 seasons. Now, that feud has been rebooted as they

meet in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Indiana is looking to reach the conference final

for the first time in a decade while New York chases a final four spot for the first time in nearly a

quarter of a century.

Point Guard Battle

This series features two of the best in this position as Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton face

off in this showdown. Brunson will likely be in the top-five in voting for league MVP while

Haliburton led the NBA in assists.

Brunson leads the playoffs in scoring averaging over 35 points a game and he became the first

player since Michael Jordan in 1993 to score at least 37 points in four consecutive playoff

games He also was dominant against Indiana this season averaging almost 36PPG, shooting

49% and attempting 10 free throws per game. Haliburton has been the driving force for the

Pacers, who led the NBA in scoring averaging 123 points her game. He was the leading scorer

for his team against New York averaging 20 PPG and dishing 13 assists per.

The player who wins this duel likely carries his team into the next round.

Former Raptors Influence

Knicks: OG Anunoby

He’s been an all-around defender and since the trade from Toronto, the Knicks were 20-3 with

him in the lineup. He’ll be counted on heavily to defend the Pacers big men, including former

teammate, Pascal Siakam. While he averages 15 PPG, he’s been hard to defend against

posting almost 7 boards, 1 steal and 1.3 blocks per game.

Pacers: Pascal Siakim

He’s leading the Pacers in scoring, and the big man is doing it all. Pascal Siakim has averaged

22.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and his trade from the Raptors has paid off especially in

the first round vs the Bucks. Siakim matches up well against the Knicks and will be a menace to

guard in the paint. If he can slow down New York’s big men inside, the Pacers should be in the

mix.

Overall

The Knicks are the favorites here and likely will try to slow down the pace, the style Inidiana isn’t

used to. And if you want to include big game experience, the Pacers did play in the finals of the

In-Season tournament, a loss to the Lakers. But this stage is larger and more on the line.

SERIES ODDS

Indiana Pacers +220

New York Knicks -260

SEASON SERIES

The teams met three times this season, with Pacers winning twice including once at MSG.

Dec. 30, 2023 New York 126 Indiana 140

Feb. 1, 2024 Indiana 105 New York 109

Feb. 10, 2024 Indiana 125 New York 111

SERIES SCHEDULE

Game 1: Pacers @ Knicks, Monday, May 6,

Game 2: Pacers @ Knicks, Wednesday, May 8

Game 3: Knicks @ Pacers, Friday, May 10

Game 4: Knicks @ Pacers, Sunday, May 12

*Game 5: Pacers @ Knicks, Date TBD

*Game 6: Knicks @ Pacers, Date TBD

*Game 7: Pacers @ Knicks, Date TBD