Knicks Face Off Against Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals

The New York Knicks are on a roll, having advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. After beating the Detroit Pistons in five games and the defending champion Boston Celtics in six, the team is now set to face the Indiana Pacers, who beat the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and upset the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. The series is expected to be a thrilling matchup between two top teams, with the Knicks looking to make it to their first NBA Finals appearance in 26 years.

Key Takeaways:

• The Knicks have a strong team, with a healthy roster and a hungry mindset, having beaten the Celtics in Game 6 after a subdued celebration on the court and in the locker room.
• The Pacers are a deep team, with a strong bench and a ability to wear teams down, which could be a problem for the Knicks, who are not the deepest team.
• The Knicks' starters are used to playing a lot of minutes, and their high level of defensive play has been key to their success so far in the playoffs.
• Several players, including Jalen Brunson, have spoken about the team having more to accomplish, and the desire to make it to the Finals.
• The series will be the second-straight year the teams meet in the playoffs, after the Pacers beat the Knicks in seven games last season.
• The Knicks will need to string full 48-minute performances together to have a chance at advancing to the Finals.
• The Pacers' depth and ability to throw multiple defenders at Brunson could give them an edge in the series.

Statistics:

• The Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
• The Pacers beat the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and upset the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.
• Karl-Anthony Towns average 19.8 points and 12.7 rebounds a game in the series against the Celtics.

Sources:

• NorthJersey.com
• USA TODAY NETWORK - N.J.