Can The Pacers Shift Focus To Game 2?
Our Game 2 Pacers vs Knicks Preview Expects High Scoring Again
The New York Knicks escaped the Indiana Pacers in the first game, winning 121-117. There was plenty of offense between the Knicks and Pacers. But there were also many missed calls and questionable reviews.
It felt like the Pacers got fleeced out of the first game of the series in the final two minutes. But ultimately, Indiana’s T.J. McConnell said it best. The Pacers can’t allow themselves to be in a position where the refs could affect the game’s outcome.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson scored 40 points for his fourth consecutive game. He’s also scored 39 points in five straight playoff games. He’s the first player to score 40 points in four straight NBA games since Michael Jordan. That’s a ridiculous company.
However, the Knicks played four starters at least 42 minutes and didn’t get much help from the bench. We’ll see if that’s sustainable heading into Game 2 of this series.
While the Knicks were -6 on the spread in Game 1. It’s shifted to -5 (-105) for Game 2. The Pacers are getting a little more respect for at least covering in Game 1 despite the 121-117 loss. Meanwhile, the total has since jumped to 220 after going overwhelmingly over in the first game.
Here’s a look at the Pacers vs Knicks preview for Game 2 of this rivalry Eastern Conference showdown.
Pacers vs Knicks 
Records: Indiana Pacers (51-39), New York Knicks (55-34)
Day/Time:
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Streaming: TNT
Pacers vs Knicks Preview & Trends
In Game 1 of the series, the Pacers covered as six-point underdogs against the Knicks despite losing outright. The Knicks and Pacers each added significant runs in the game, but ultimately, the Pacers came out with the win against the spread, and the Knicks won the game outright.
Meanwhile, the total went over 217 with a combined 138 points. The first half didn’t have a super high amount of scoring. However, both teams managed at least 30 points in the third and fourth quarters to help the game get Over.
This season, the Pacers have covered against the Knicks in three of four games, including last night’s playoff matchup. Meanwhile, the Over has hit in two games, while the under has hit in two games head-to-head.
Our NBA playoff predictions for Game 2 between these two teams are below.
Pacers Can’t Overcome 5-on-8
The Knicks were clutch late against the Pacers in Game 1 of the series. But they got some help from the referees. The call that had everyone angry was a kicked-ball violation that gave the Knicks the ball back after the Pacers had turned over possession late in the game.
After that, in the final seconds, Myles Turner was called for a moving screen. Donte DiVincenzo flopped and sold it well enough to get the call. That eventually took the Pacers out of contention for the series’ first game.
The Pacers played the five Knicks on the floor and the other three refs to close out the game.
The referees have already admitted fault for the kicked-ball violation. However, the moving screen was reviewed during the game and wasn’t changed. Turner moved his screen slightly, but that type of foul is rarely called in big moments.
Knicks Still Crashing The Glass
Jalen Brunson’s 43 points were a big reason for New York’s success. But the Knicks’ ability to add offensive rebounds was also a big reason. The Knicks hauled in 36.7% of offensive rebounds against the Pacers, allowing them to add more possessions and opportunities to score the basketball.
Adding offensive rebounds in a series with plenty of pace will only help the Knicks limit fastbreak opportunities on long rebounds the other way.
More Of The Same In Game 2
In the first half of Game 1, the Knicks and Pacers weren’t super effective on the offensive side of the ball. However, by the second half, both teams looked comfortable and scored easily.
The Knicks scored 69 points in the second half, while the Pacers scored 62 points. We’ll probably get the same for the rest of the series. They scored 124.2 points per 100 possessions against Indiana. While the turnovers were high because of the fast pace, the Knicks still shot an effective field goal percentage of 59.3%.
New York also added a significant rate of offensive rebounds and had a free throw rate of 27.2, which was the best rate they’ve seen in the playoffs this year.
On the other hand, the Pacers shot a 58% effective field goal percentage and were super strong with the ball. The Pacers didn’t add many offensive rebounds but kept turnovers down to 8.4% in the game.
Realistically, both NBA teams should shoot at a high percentage of the field. The Pacers won’t need second chances if they continue to limit turnovers. Meanwhile, the Knicks will turn the ball over more but will get more shots up, thanks to their dominance on the offensive glass.
Both teams have their signature ways of scoring points. Plus, while the Knicks have a reputation for defense, their offense carried them throughout the NBA regular season this year.
The Knicks are 16th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions defensively and currently don’t rank in the top ten in effective field goal percentage, turnover percentage, defensive rebounding percentage, or free throw rate.
Indiana is currently second in points per 100 possessions, third in effective field goal percentage, and first in turnover percentage. The offense matches up well against the Knicks.
That said, the Pacers are 15th in points per 100 possessions, while the Knicks have scored 119.1 points per 100 possessions. Overall, the Knicks didn’t turn the ball over that much throughout the season. If the Knicks can limit turnovers, the points should start to increase for the Knicks in this series.
You will certainly want to back many overs for NBA player props in Game 2. The New York big three, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart, contributed 92 of the 121 points scored in Game 1.
DiVincenzo wasn’t listed on the NBA Most Improved Player odds because he didn’t play 20+ minutes regularly earlier in the year. But he’s become a huge force for the Knicks in the playoffs, along with Josh Hart, who doesn’t always get the credit he deserves from an offensive standpoint.
Per our Pacers vs Knicks preview, we’ll back the over 220 (-110) in Game 2.
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