Pacers seek redemption as Knicks aim for revenge in explosive Eastern Conference showdown
The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks are set to clash for the first time since their dramatic Eastern Conference finals series last season, where the Pacers ousted the Knicks in six games. The stakes are high as both teams bring contrasting narratives into this matchup.
Knicks Emerging from the NBA Cup Triumph
Fresh off their NBA Cup victory, the Knicks have been riding a wave of momentum, showcasing resilience with a six-game winning streak. However, the team faces challenges as multiple players have been listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pacers. This comes after a couple of physically demanding victories over the Orlando Magic and the San Antonio Spurs, with another match looming against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Under the guidance of new head coach Mike Brown, the Knicks have rebounded from a slow start to the season. They now boast an impressive 18-7 record, dominated by their ability to adapt and rely on their depth. Particularly noteworthy was their recent win against the Spurs, where Brown leaned on reserves like Jordan Clarkson and the emerging Tyler Kolek to come back from a second-half deficit.
Pacers Struggling for Consistency
On the other side, the Indiana Pacers (6-20) are grappling with a rocky start to the season and are still seeking head coach Rick Carlisle’s milestone 1,000th career win. The team’s aspirations for a play-in tournament appearance appear increasingly dim, especially after suffering a heavy defeat to the Washington Wizards, who have struggled to find their footing this season.
Despite reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2000 season, the Pacers have struggled significantly, starting the year with a dismal 1-13 record. They will need to rally quickly if they hope to regain their competitive edge.
Historical Context and Matchup Insights
This rivalry is steeped in history, with the Knicks looking for redemption after their playoff exit last May, where they lost decisively 125-108 in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That defeat marked the end of Tom Thibodeau’s tenure as head coach, and a win in Indianapolis could serve as a much-needed psychological boost for the Knicks.
In recent regular-season matchups, the Knicks have had the upper hand, winning three of the last five series. However, the Pacers have claimed 10 victories in the last 16 encounters since the beginning of 2021. Overall, the Knicks lead the all-time regular-season series 102-96 since the Pacers joined the NBA from the ABA in 1976.
Injury Reports and Game Day Details
As both teams prepare for this crucial clash, they will have to navigate a long list of injuries that could impact their rotations.
Knicks:
Karl-Anthony Towns: Questionable (Left Knee Soreness)
OG Anunoby: Questionable (Left Knee Contusion)
Josh Hart: Questionable (Abdominal Strain)
Mitchell Robinson: Questionable (Left Ankle Injury Management)
Miles McBride: Out (Left Ankle Sprain)
Landry Shamet: Out (Left Shoulder Strain)
Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Right Achilles Tendon Tear)
Aaron Nesmith: Out (Left Knee MCL Sprain)
Obi Toppin: Out (Right Foot Stress Fracture)
Ben Sheppard: Out (Left Calf Strain)
Kam Jones: Doubtful (G League Assignment)
Taelon Peter: Doubtful (G League Assignment)
Projected Starters
Knicks
F Mikal Bridges
F Guerschon Yabusele
C Ariel Hukporti
G Jalen Brunson
G Jordan Clarkson
Pacers
F Bennedict Mathurin
F Pascal Siakam
C Jay Huff
G Andrew Nembhard
G Ethan Thompson
Coach’s Insight
Knicks head coach Mike Brown highlighted the impact of Jalen Brunson, who was named the NBA Cup MVP, stating, “When you start talking MVP candidates, his name is one of the first to come out your mouth because on this stage, to go get it done, while winning, is in my opinion, what an MVP is about.”
As the Pacers and Knicks prepare to face off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. EST, all eyes will be on the court to see if the Pacers can rebound from their recent struggles while the Knicks seek to avenge their playoff exit.
