Pacers vs Knicks Game 1: What does each team need to do to open this series with a W?
Game 1 of the Pacers vs Knicks NBA Eastern Conference semifinal sees two teams with starkly different game styles face each other. The Pacers played with the fastest pace in the entire league during the regular season. At the same time, the Knicks had the slowest pace.
The Pacers were the highest-scoring team in the NBA during the regular season (123.3 points per game), only once in 82 matches they were held to below 100 points. At the same time, the Knicks had the second-best opponent‘ points rating in the entire NBA (108.2 points allowed). So, let’s see who needs to do what to claim the win in Game 1 of the Pacers vs Knicks series.
Pacers vs Knicks – who will control the pace in Game 1?
Both teams achieved 4-2 triumphs in round 1 of the playoffs. The Knicks spent much more energy overcoming the 76ers though and also their main players on average played 9 more minutes per game compared to the starters of the Pacers.
The Knicks thrive when they can slow the pace of the game down. At the same time, the Pacers need to push the pace and attack at every possession to do well. So, which team will find a way to control the pace of this match?
Pacers vs KnicksGame 1 must-dos for the Knicks to win
Here are the things we think the Knicks need to achieve if they want the W in game 1 of this semifinal.
Dominate on the offensive glass
The Knicks must at all cost avoid allowing too many transition attacks to Indiana. The best way to do that is to secure enough offensive rebounds. Both Isaiah Hartenstein (3.5 offensive rebounds per game vs the 76ers) and Mitchell Robinson (4.4 offensive rebounds per game vs the 76ers) have shown they can dominate in that area. Both of them will need to do more of the same for the Knicks to win Game 1.
Jalen Brunson needs to score 35+ points
Star point guard Brunson became the first player in 21 years (Michael Jordan did back in 1993) to record four consecutive playoff games with 39 or more points scored.
The Knicks badly need his scoring to win any match so Brunson will have to find a way once more to be ultra-productive if New York wants to open this series with a W.
Slow the pace down
One thing the Knicks can’t afford to do against the electric Pacers is to allow them to dominate the pace. All season New York dominated when using a slow pace and they will have to try and avoid any transition attacks for Indiana while getting back in defence quickly after making baskets.
Pacers vs KnicksGame 1 must-dos for the Pacers to win
To win Game 1 of the Pacers vs Knicks series the visitors Indiana will have to be at their best and push the pace at every opportunity.
Control the pace
It’s simple to say it but much harder to do it on the court, especially against the Knicks. Indiana will likely win if they can push the tempo, run in transition, find open men for easy buckets and prevent the Knicks from getting set in their defensive positions.
Rick Carlisle must have a clear plan for how to deal with Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson was coached exactly by Rick Carlisle from 2018 to 2021 while both were at Dallas Mavericks. The Pacers’ head coach shaped Brunson in his first three years in the league. Now Carlisle will have to come up with an effective game plan on how to slow down the player he knows very well.
Obi Toppin has to show up
The Knicks traded Obi Toppin and now he has the chance to come back and execute a revenge. Fresh off his playoff career-high 20 points and 9 assists in game 6 of the series vs the Bucks Toppin should be brimming with confidence.
If the big man can deliver similar numbers off the bench in Game 1 of the Pacers vs Knicks series then he could prove the difference maker for his new team.
Pacers vs Knicks – our prediction
We back the Indiana Pacers to win Game 1. The Knicks used a huge amount of energy to overcome the 76ers in round 1. Their stars played 40+ minutes in almost every match of this series. Knowing that Indiana will try and run the floor as fast as they can and this should give them an edge. That’s why we expect that the Pacers will draw first blood in this exciting matchup.