Indiana Pacers game preview: New York Knicks travel to Indiana hoping to secure playoff seeding
The Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks on Wednesday as both team's regular season winds down. The Pacers are mathematically eliminated from play-in contention while the Knicks are one win away from securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff field.
New York is 2-0 against Indiana this season, though both games were extremely close. With the Knicks and Pacers missing star players, this one could be close too.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, MSG Networks
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are underdogs as they are +6.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 233.5.
Pacers vs Knicks Injury Report
For the Pacers, wing Kendall Brown (right tibia stress fracture), wing Chris Duarte (left ankle soreness), and guard Tyrese Haliburton (right ankle sprain/left ankle soreness) are all out. Center Myles Turner (left ankle soreness) is questionable. Guard Gabe York, who the Pacers recently signed, is questionable as a part of his two-way contract.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson, DaQuan Jeffries, Julius Randle, and Duane Washington Jr are out. RJ Barrett is questionable.
Key Matchups
Aaron Nesmith vs Quentin Grimes: Two wing/guard hybrids who are both solid on the defensive side of the ball will battle tonight as Aaron Nesmith and Quentin Grimes face off. Grimes had 27 points for the Knicks on Sunday.
Nesmith is averaging 12 points per game on solid efficiency over the last month, and he is commonly tasked with defending opposing team's best players. He will be vital in his matchup with Grimes on the wing, assuming the young Knick starts again.
Andrew Nembhard vs Immanuel Quickley: Immanuel Quickley is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, and his growth as a play finisher inside the arc this season has rounded out his game. He is a tough matchup for anyone due to his speed.
Tonight, with Brunson out, he will likely start at point guard across from Andrew Nembhard. Nembhard has been terrific as a rookie for Indiana and is growing every day, especially offensively. Whichever floor general has a stronger impact will tip the balance of the game towards their team tonight.
- How T.J. McConnell's low center of gravity helps him make plays for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers eliminated from playoff contention, focus remains on internal development and competing. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers playing without key players as season winds down. CLICK HERE.
- Rick Carlisle on the Indiana Pacers stretch run: 'Guys are learning and they are finding out what it's about'. CLICK HERE.
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