
The Pacers were eliminated from postseason consideration as they have lost three straight games. The Knicks have clinched the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Neither team has much to play for in this game.
The Pacers have lost five of their last six and the momentum seems to have left their sails. Indiana hasn’t won back-to-back games since March 1, losing on the road against the Cavs. Though close throughout most of the game, Indiana’s offense stumbled in the 4th quarter, scoring only 18 points. Benedict Mathurin led with 19 points while T.J. McConnell added 16 off the bench for Indiana. Turnovers proved costly as 17 were given away while being outscored down low (42 points) by Cleveland in a 142-133 loss).
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The Knicks have now won four straight and are coming off a home victory against the Wizards that secured them a playoff berth. Both Quinten Grimes and Jalen Brunson contributed 27 points each, but New York struggled in the second quarter as Washington held them to 19 points before rallying in the 3rd to hold Washington to 18. Overall, New York finished plus seven in turnovers while outscoring Washington 26-13 down low while their bench added just 13 points.
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The Knicks have won both matchups this season and both games were close.
Neither team has much to play for, and the Pacers have lost the first two games between these teams by a combined seven points. The nine point spread worries me here, but all indications are that the Pacers are packing it in. Take the Knicks -9.
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