Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks 2/1/24 – As the NBA season continues to heat up, the matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks on February 1, 2024, is shaping up to be a classic. This game, set to take place in the iconic Madison Square Garden, pits two formidable Eastern Conference contenders against each other, catching the eye of every top-tier online sportsbook.
| When: | Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| TV: | MSG |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Our Top 5 Plays of January presented by @BallySports 📹 pic.twitter.com/eCtZdxej7j
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 31, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | +4.5 -111 | o242 -111 | +138 |  |
| Knicks | -4.5 -111 | u242 -111 | -164 | |
| ||||
Pascal Siakam (PF) vs. Jalen Brunson (PG)
Over his last 6 games since returning from injury, Pascal Siakam has averaged 32.5 minutes, 21.3 points on 50.7% shooting, 7.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and just 1.7 turnovers per contest. The versatile power forward excels at handling the ball and scoring from all three levels. However, his average of 0.8 steals and 0 blocks reveals room for improvement on defense.
In his first season with the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is posting career-best numbers including 35.6 minutes, 26.6 points on 46.9% shooting, 3.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.4 turnovers per game. Brunson leverages his high IQ, crafty handles and deceptive athleticism to manipulate defenses. While undersized for his position at 6’1”, Brunson plays bigger thanks to a tenacious approach that fires up teammates. But his average of just 0.2 blocks indicates vulnerabilities on the defensive end.
The Knicks could struggle to contain Siakam’s blend of size, skill and physicality – especially if his outside shot is falling. Brunson’s scoring and distribution present a stiff test for the Pacers’ inconsistent perimeter defense. This battle of small forward versus point guard could go a long way in determining if the Pacers can keep pace in a challenging road environment.
Pacers’ Statistical Powerhouse
The Pacers possess impressive team statistics, with an average of 124.8 points per game and 50.7% field goal percentage that showcase their efficiency at scoring. Their prolific 3-point shooting of 13.9 makes per game at 38.2% is evidence of their outside threat while 22.6 fouls per game could pose discipline problems; so to keep their game flowing smoothly they must leverage offensive firepower while mitigating fouls as much as possible.
Knicks’ Balanced Approach
The New York Knicks average 115.4 points per game on 46.9% field goal percentage and boast an impressive 46.2% rebounding percentage, giving them additional possessions per game. Their slightly lower 3-point shooting percentage (37.5%) than Indiana Pacers may be an issue, yet their ability to draw fouls and reach free throw line where they shoot 78.1% is an invaluable advantage that they must utilize effectively against their offensive prowess.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds for this game are currently pending, but given the teams’ performance, it’s shaping up to be a closely contested affair. Bettors should keep an eye on the odds as they become available for potential value picks.
Trends
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
Pacers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Indiana Pacers are 2-1 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Pacers are 12-10 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Pacers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 17 of Pacers’ 25 last games at home.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
Knicks are 5-0 in their last 5 games.
NY Knicks are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Knicks are 14-11 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Knicks’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 7 of Knicks’ 21 last games at home.
Injuries
Indiana Pacers
T.J. McConnell PG Is “?” Thursday vs New York, Illness
Tyrese Haliburton PG Is “?” Thursday vs New York, Hamstring
Jalen Smith PF Is “?” Thursday vs New York, Back
Bennedict Mathurin SF Is “?” Thursday vs New York, Toe
New York Knicks
Julius Randle PF Is out indefinitely, Shoulder
OG Anunoby SF Is “?” Thursday vs Indiana, Elbow
Mitchell Robinson C Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Quentin Grimes SG Is “?” Thursday vs Indiana, Knee
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Betting Picks
In this clash, both teams present compelling arguments for a winning pick. The Pacers, with their offensive firepower, pose a significant threat, but the Knicks’ recent form and balanced approach provide a sense of reliability. This game could go either way, but the Knicks’ consistent performance and home-court advantage might give them the edge.
For basketball betting prediction, the Knicks seem to be the safer bet, especially considering their recent form and strong performance against the spread. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially those of Siakam and Brunson, could be interesting given their pivotal roles. The over/under will be a tight call, but considering both teams’ scoring abilities, leaning towards the OVER might be wise. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Knicks 118, Pacers 114.
