Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Prediction, Betting Odds, Picks

• The Indiana Pacers enter this matchup on a four-game losing streak.
• The New York Knicks have now fallen to 11th in the Eastern Conference.
• The Pacers lead the season series 2-1.

Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Odds

Head-to-Head: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks

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How Can the Pacers Beat the Knicks?

Both teams will be lacking some key contributors in this matchup. For the Pacers to earn a victory, their perimeter defence must be up to standard.

The Pacers’ defence is integral to their ability to win games. In losses Indiana allows their opponents to shoot an average of 47% from the field, compared to in victories where they allow just 43.5% shooting efficiency.

The difference seems insignificant, but with so many key players out of their wing rotation, Indiana’s defensive standards are expected to drop. If the Pacers can put together a solid defensive effort, the shorthanded Knicks could be at their mercy.

Pacers Key Player: (F) Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis dunks on Mason Plumlee ?pic.twitter.com/HLdp5y9GbK

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 30, 2021

The Indiana Pacers are apparently ready for a rebuilding process, but they still perform through Domantas Sabonis and at his level of quality Indiana always have a chance of victory.

In his last game, a loss to the Cavaliers, Sabonis posted 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in 39 minutes of play.

Considering Indiana’s availability in the backcourt, they will lean heavily on Sabonis if they hope to steal victory from the Knicks. With little paint opposition, don’t be surprised to see Sabonis post another triple-double.

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How Can the Knicks Beat the Pacers?

If you look at the New York Knicks’ most recent loss, individual stats wouldn’t suggest that they played a poor game. However their inability to set a tone to begin the game spelled their doom in the later quarters.

In their last game the Knicks allowed their opponents to open with a 30-point first quarter where they shot 50% from the field and converted on all 8 of their free throw attempts. The Knicks were aggressive themselves, but their lack of defence to open the game only grew worse as the game played out.

The Pacers may not have the most prolific offence, but with two dominant big men they could overwhelm the Knicks in the paint. Establishing a defensive presence will be crucial to the Knicks’ chances at victory.

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Knicks Key Player: (G-F) RJ Barrett

RJ putting in work down low ? pic.twitter.com/9wLki7FRlb

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 2, 2022

As the New York Knicks continue to slide down the Eastern Conference table, all eyes are on their young star RJ Barrett. The Canadian sophomore is usually in the shadow of Julius Randle, but with the Knicks falling in the standings RJ Barrett needs to take charge.

Barrett is coming off of a game where he posted 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 29 minutes of play. He didn’t shoot poorly from the field, and he even converted from the free throw line 5 of 7 times.

For all of his talent, Barrett isn’t as aggressive as the Knicks need him to be considering all of their injuries. Coming off of a team-low minus-18 performance, Barrett must be impactful for New York to win.

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