A contrast of ambitions and results: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks prediction
Indiana Pacers
New York Knicks
The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks will meet overnight on November 13–14 in the NBA regular season. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or 1:00 a.m. Central European Time on November 14. It will be played on Indiana’s home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. I’m backing the total points in this matchup.
Head-to-head and statistical facts
- Indiana have won just one home game this season.
- The Knicks have lost four of their previous six road games, including preseason matchups.
- The Pacers have not beaten the Knicks in the regular season for two years.
- The last two head-to-head meetings between these teams in Indianapolis both ended in wins for New York.
Indiana Pacers: a win that should boost their confidence
The Pacers snapped their losing streak in their last game, beating the Washington Wizards 114–101. Indiana struggled to pull away for much of the contest, but a 14–0 run in the fourth quarter settled the outcome. It was the team’s first home win of the season. Before that, Rick Carlisle’s players had lost five straight at home.
After 12 games, Indiana have four wins and eight losses. They sit 11th in the Eastern Conference and remain a long way from a direct playoff berth. The Pacers’ main weakness is their defense: they allow an average of 115.2 points per game. Their offense scores 111.4 points per game, so the team has attacking firepower, but has yet to find consistency at both ends of the floor.
Indiana’s leading scorer right now is Pascal Siakam. Against Washington, the forward scored 28 points and made all 12 of his free throws. He is averaging 22.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season.
The Pacers also have to contend with Tyrese Haliburton’s absence. The point guard has missed eight straight games with a hamstring injury, and his return does not appear to be imminent. Without Haliburton, Indiana have had to rework their offense, placing a significantly greater burden on Siakam and Nembhard.
New York Knicks: stout defense and a powerful frontcourt
New York come into this game with a 6–5 record, sitting fifth in the East. Before their recent loss to Cleveland, Mike Brown’s team had won four straight against Brooklyn, Chicago, Cleveland and Milwaukee. The Knicks then fell to the Cavaliers 107–115. That defeat does not erase their strong run, but it showed they are not yet immune to problems against top opponents.
New York’s biggest strength is its defense. Through the first ten games of the season, the team allowed an average of just 102.3 points per game, one of the best marks in the league. The Knicks also do not look to push the pace at every opportunity: they rank among the slowest teams in the NBA in terms of possession speed.
Jalen Brunson remains the focal point of the offense, averaging 26.2 points and 5.6 assists per game. He scored 27 points in the latest game against Cleveland. Karl-Anthony Towns is just as important: the center averages 20.9 points and 13.8 rebounds.
New York have a more balanced roster and can get points from players beyond their biggest stars. In their 117–85 win over Milwaukee, Brunson scored 23 points while Towns added 21 points and 16 rebounds. In the next game against Cleveland, Miles McBride also made a significant contribution, scoring 19 points off the bench. The Knicks’ depth could prove a key factor in Indianapolis.
What’s the best bet?
Indiana got an emotional lift from beating Washington, but one good game does not mean the team has fixed its problems. The Pacers are still struggling defensively and have to make do without Haliburton. New York look like the more complete team, with Brunson scoring consistently, Towns dominating the boards and a strong team defense. If the Knicks can slow the game down and contain Siakam, it will be difficult for the hosts to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Given the leaders’ current form and the gap in defensive quality, the edge goes to the visitors. I’m backing the Knicks to win with a -3-point spread.
