Pacers at Knicks Betting Preview

The New York Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. These two teams have a storied past, and this will be a chance to renew the Eastern Conference rivalry.

Indiana has posted a 15-14 record through its first 29 games this season, which is good enough for second place in the Central Division. The Pacers are expected to be a contender in the Eastern Conference when the playoffs begin this spring.

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New York has gone just 15-17 through its first 32 games, but the Knicks are actually still in the middle of the playoff race in the East. The Knicks still have a young squad, and the future looks bright for one of the most popular teams in the NBA.

Pacers Feature Balanced Attack

The Pacers are right around the league average in both scoring and defense, and there are no true superstars on this roster. Indiana is averaging 113.4 points per game while giving up just 111.9 points per contest.

Point guard Malcolm Brogdon leads the team with 21.6 points per game, and he will have to make shots for the Pacers in this one. Forward Domantas Sabonis has chipped in with 21.5 points per game, and he is the best all-around player on this team.

The Pacers don’t want to play at a fast-pace, and they will look to get a great shot on the offensive end of the floor. Indiana has been disappointing at times this season, but this is a solid team.

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Knicks Can’t Score

When looking at 2021 NBA betting trends, there are a few that really pop out. The Knicks are the best defensive team in the NBA this season, allowing just 103.8 points per game. Head coach Tom Thibadeau is a defensive-minded coach, and he has gotten his young squad to buy in on that end of the floor.

The problem for New York is that it is averaging just 103.6 points per game, and shooting the ball has been a real problem at times. Julius Randle leads the way with 23.3 points and 5.5 assists per game, but he is going to need some help moving forward.

Point guard Derrick Rose is back with the Knicks, and that should help get the offense going for this team. New York won’t become an explosive offensive team, but there is room for improvement.

Pacers Pick Up Road Win

The Pacers are the more complete team in this matchup, but winning in New York has been a challenge for some of the top teams in the league. The Knicks are a terrific defensive team, but they need to find some offense if they are going to turn their season around.

Don’t expect there to be much separation on Saturday night, and there won’t be a ton of points scored either. This will allow the Knicks to keep this game close, but they just won’t have enough offense to come away with the win.

The NBA odds aren’t posted for this one yet, but keep an eye on a tight number for Indiana. The Pacers will find a way to get it done in New York as they beat the Knicks on Saturday night.