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The Indiana Pacers have been a consistent playoff team in recent years, but have struggled to make it past the first round. Led by All-Star center Domantas Sabonis and dynamic guard Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers have a balanced offensive attack and solid defense. The Pacers play their home games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and have a loyal fan base that supports them throughout the season.
09 APRIL 2023
TIME: 01:00 AM ET
One of the Pacers’ strengths is their depth. They have a number of talented players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. In addition to Sabonis and Brogdon, they have shooting guard Caris LeVert, who they acquired in a mid-season trade with the Brooklyn Nets. LeVert has shown flashes of brilliance in his short time with the Pacers and has the potential to be a difference-maker in the playoffs. The Pacers also have veteran forward Doug McDermott, who is one of the best three-point shooters in the league.
Another strength of the Pacers is their defense. They are one of the best defensive teams in the league, allowing just 108.3 points per game, which is the fifth-best mark in the league. Sabonis is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, while Brogdon is a tenacious on-ball defender who can disrupt opposing guards. The Pacers also have a solid rim protector in Myles Turner, who leads the league in blocks per game.
The New York Knicks have been one of the surprise teams of the season, exceeding expectations and currently sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Led by All-Star forward Julius Randle and defensive stalwart center Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks have a hard-nosed defensive identity and a balanced offensive attack. The Knicks play their home games at Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic arenas in all of sports, and have one of the most passionate fan bases in the league.
One of the Knicks’ strengths is their defense. They are one of the best defensive teams in the league, allowing just 105.1 points per game, which is the third-best mark in the league. Robinson is one of the best rim protectors in the league, while Randle is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. The Knicks also have a number of solid perimeter defenders, including shooting guard Reggie Bullock and small forward RJ Barrett.
