SportsMall previews Saturday's NBA showdown between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, including predictions, team news and form guides.
He New York Knicks They will want to get back in front of their fans when they face Indiana Pacers Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
The two teams had contrasting results in their respective season openers, as the Knicks suffered a humiliating loss to the Boston Celtics, while the Pacers overcame the threat of the Detroit Pistons.
Competition Preview
© Imago
After making major additions to their roster in the off-season, the New York Knicks had an early chance to showcase their championship credentials against the defending champion Boston Celtics, but were soundly defeated 132-109 at TD Garden on Wednesday.
Tom ThibodeauAfter allowing 10 three-pointers and making just 1, they were destroyed from beyond the arc, trailing by 19 points at the end of the first quarter despite shooting an impressive 55% from the field.
The Celtics outscored the Knicks 29-11, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament, kicking off their title defense in grand style against a team that was considered the leading contender to usurp them.
New arrivals Mikal Bridges AND Carl-Anthony Cities By scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively, in their opening matches for the Knicks, the former posted the worst +/- score (-33) among his teammates.
Indeed, it was a tough opening night for last year's Eastern Conference semifinalists, who fell behind 3 with a chance to get back to winning ways against a team that was eliminated from the playoffs in a thrilling 4-series loss. 3. -2.
The last of those seven games came on May 19 at Madison Square Garden, when the Pacers won all four quarters to silence the home crowd and advance to the conference finals, which ultimately ended in a sweep against the Celtics.
© Imago
The Indiana Pacers punched well above their weight last season on their way to the Eastern Conference and season finals, and are looking to put together another strong showing this season while retaining core members of their team.
Rick CarlisleThe men opened their campaign with a 115-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday in what was one of the most entertaining openers ever.
Trailing by eight points after the first 36 minutes, the Pacers rallied in the fourth quarter to pull away from home on a 14-point run to open proceedings at Little Caesars Arena on a winning note.
The fast bowlers mostly had Benito Mathurin Thanks to his impressive comeback last time out, the third-year guard scored 14 of his 19 points in his first regular season appearance since March.
The second of two consecutive games against the Knicks awaits Saturday's visitors less than 36 hours after Sunday night's opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA form of the New York Knicks:
Indiana Pacers NBA Form:
Group messages
© Imago
Twenty-three-year-old Kevin McCuller Jr. is currently suffering from a knee problem and is a major doubt for this weekend's game against the New York Knicks.
however, Beautiful Achihua He is also a guaranteed absence after injuring his left hamstring in the final preseason game against the Washington Wizards.
michel robinson (ankle) is also not found here, namely Jericho Sims Karl-Anthony will continue his role as Downs' backup centre-back after a 24-minute absence against Celtic.
small eave Isaiah Jackson He missed the Pacers' win over the Pistons last time out with a groin issue, but could return in time to prepare for Saturday's game.
James Wiseman His first NBA game with his new bosses lasted just five minutes after suffering a left calf injury that would keep him out of the trip to New York.
Possible starting five for the New York Knicks:
Brunson, Hart; Bridges, Anunoby; cities
The Indiana Pacers could start at five:
Halliburton, Nembhardt; Nesmith, Siagam; Turner
We say: win by 6+ points
The New York Knicks were far from their best against the Celtics and will be eager to make amends when they take the court in front of their fans.
A matchup against the Pacers will be another tough challenge, but we're backing the home team to rectify their horror show last time out and get the season underway.
