The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers' recent matchup lived up to all expectations, rekindling their playoff rivalry in the 2024 NBA postseason. The Pacers defended their home court on Friday to force a do-or-die Game 7 scheduled for Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
In Game 6, Pascal Siakam had 25 points and seven rebounds, Myles Turner had 17 points and eight rebounds, and Indiana turned the tables on New York, 116-103. Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembard each scored 15 points, with Nembard adding six rebounds and six assists.
Jalen Brunson had 31 points and five assists for the Knicks, but missed his last 11 shots in the first half. Deuce McBride scored 20 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 17 points. But the shorthanded Knicks may have suffered further damage. Josh Hart was ejected in the 4th quarter. It was what Knicks called a stomach ache.
Injuries have been a theme for New York this postseason. On Friday, the Knicks played without four key players: forwards OG Anunoby, Bojan Bogdanovic and Julius Randle, and backup center Mitchell Robinson. Only Anunoby, who injured his left hamstring late in Game 2 and hasn't played since, appears to have a chance to return Sunday.
The good news for the Knicks is that they don't have to return to Indiana, where they have lost nine straight in the playoffs. New York is one win away from advancing to the conference finals for the first time since 2000. Indiana hasn't appeared in the conference finals since 2014.
Here's everything you need to know as the Knicks and Pacers continue their new rivalry in Game 7.
Knicks vs. Pacers schedule, score
always eastern | * if necessary
Knicks vs. Pacers, Game 7
where to watch
time: 3:30 PM ET | date:Sunday, May 19th
position: Madison Square Garden — New York
TV Channels: ABC | Streaming: ESPN/Fubo
storyline
Knicks: All eyes will be on the injury report heading into Sunday's Game 7, but the Knicks are desperate for Josh Hart to be fit for a win-or-go-home situation against the Pacers. Hart took a hit up the middle in the first quarter, but was still able to play 31 minutes, but not without some struggles. He also did not return to the game after checking out at 9:53 of the fourth quarter, and missed the remainder of the game due to abdominal pain shortly thereafter. Hart was New York's iron man, averaging nearly 43 minutes per game in the postseason before Friday night. If he misses Sunday or isn't fully healthy, it would not only be another name added to an already long injury list for the Knicks, it would be a huge disadvantage against a Pacers team that showed some new life in the game. You will be placed in a difficult situation. 6.
Pacers: On Friday, Indiana literally dominated the Knicks. Who knew such a thing was possible? They outrebounded New York and, although they didn't turn the ball over as much as they did in Game 5, they had two players that made a key difference in the victory, taking it to Game 7. If we can carry that over into Sunday afternoon, especially in Game 5. Although the Knicks continue to battle injuries, the Pacers have a good chance of shocking the Knicks at Madison Square Garden and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014.
prediction
Opening series odds: Knicks -265, Pacers +210
Series odds after Game 4: Knicks -132, Pacers +112
I think the Pacers found their formula in Game 6. In addition to shooting nearly 54 percent from the field, the Pacers were the more aggressive team, which is difficult to do against coach Tom Thibodeau's team. Combine that with Josh Hart's status being up in the air, and even if he plays, he might not be 100%, and the Pacers will leave Madison Square Garden with a win. . Candidate: Pacers +2.5
