The NBA postseason’s first round is beginning to wrap up as the second round begins. This series features a clash between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. These two teams have a historic and bitter rivalry in the postseason, dating back to the late 1990s. This matchup has tremendous stakes.
Before Betting on Pacers vs Knicks
The Pacers defeated the Bucks in six games, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Despite being the 6-seed against the 3-seed, Indiana dominated Milwaukee in the series. Some of that can be attributed to the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and, later on, Damian Lillard. That being said, Indiana’s success can’t be fully contributed to that, as the largest portion of it was self-earned.
Indiana’s offense was the best in the NBA this season, and showcased that in their four wins in the series, 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 in the final minute. A win in Game 6 advanced New York to the second round, where they’ll meet the Pacers. Indiana had the Knicks number this season and will prove to be a capable test for the defense. The Knicks will need more scoring support outside of Jalen Brunson to keep up with Indiana.
Speaking of Jalen Brunson, he exploded for nearly 40 points per game 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 a deeper run than many expected. They’ll also be relying on Josh Hart to continue shooting the ball well, and Donte DiVincenzo to heat back up from 3-pt range.
Pacers vs Knicks Offshore Odds
The Knicks and Pacers had a bitter rivalry back in the late 1990s, with each team getting the better of one another a handful of times. They clashed again in the second round in 2013. The Pacers had the last laugh in that matchup, sending Carmelo Anthony and the 54-win Knicks packing. It figures to be another excellent series in 2024. Expect this one to go the full seven games, with the Pacers poised to pull off another upset.
