Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks will take on the Indiana Pacers for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers are currently leading the series with a 2-0 lead, and have been on a historic run this postseason, threating to win-it-all this season. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks were historically bad in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, and were destroyed by Pascal Siakam in Game 2. So the question to be asked is, can the Knicks make this a series again and make it 1-2 tonight, or will the Pacers take a commanding 3-0 lead and potentially wrap up this series in 4 games? Let’s dive deeper.
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Indiana Pacers’ Outlook
The Pacers have surprised everybody with their postseason run. Last season, when the Boston Celtics’ fans told the world that the Pacers were the most threatening out of any teams they played, most took the statement with a grain of salt. However, the Pacers have simply been unstoppable so far, and have destroyed all of the competition in the postseason. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers were down 17 points going into the fourth quarter, and after six three pointers from Aaron Nesmith and a game-tying shot from Haliburton, the Pacers took down the Knicks in overtime. Similarly in Game 2, the Knicks had no answers for Pascal Siakam this time, as he dropped a scorching 39 points. Six of the Pacers’ players were in double-figures which helped them secure the Game 2 win.
The Pacers have shown the NBA a new blueprint to win in the NBA, and it might be having a 10-man rotation, who can all come in and contribute. The Pacers have all the advantage in the world tonight, as they are headed back home to Indiana for the next two games. With the way they are playing, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Pacers end up sweeping the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York Knicks’ Outlook
The New York Knicks are in a world of trouble, and if they don’t win tonight, this series is most likely over. For them to beat the Boston Celtics in the second round and reach the conference finals for the first time in 25 years, and then to potentially go out from the hands of Indiana again, would upset a lot of fans at New York. They quite literally chocked in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as they blew a 17 point lead going into fourth quarter, and a 9 point lead in the final minute of the game. Then in Game 2, they were torched by Pascal Siakam who dropped 39 points against them. While Game 2 was close, they ultimately lost the game. And now, the Knicks are headed to Indiana where it will be extremely tough for them to win 2 games in a row, in order to keep their championship hopes alive for this season.
Teams that lead 2-0 in the series go on to win the series 92.6% of the times, and the odds for Knicks couldn’t get much worse than this. Jalen Brunson has been amazing in this series, but it’s the others who need to step up. Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby, Josh Hart, and even Mitchell Robinson need to go off tonight as their seasons are on the line.
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New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers Injury ReportIndiana Pacers
Isaiah Jackson is out for tonight’s game against the Knicks and for the rest of the season as he is dealing with a right Achilles tendon tear.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are fully healthy for tonight’s game against the Pacers.
Where to Watch Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3 Tonight?
Catch the New York Knicks take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, on Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET, from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, home of the Indiana Pacers. You can catch the game live on TNT, TruTV, ESPN, or NBA TV.
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