The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers meet in the Bankers Life Fieldhouse as they get ready to play Game 6. This game will take place on Saturday and George Hill's status being up in the air is the reason why the Knicks will win Game 6 and possibly this series, the Pacers are unsure of Hill's condition as the organizer of their offense is getting over a concussion.
It looks like another injury will shape up the end result of another series in this playoffs. The Pacers are trash without Hill running the offense. They looked completely lost in Game 5. Paul George tried running the offense whenever D.J. Augustin was out, but George quickly found himself in foul trouble. Where are they going to get the offense as Hill might possibly be out in Game 6? Who is going to run the offense?
Let's say Hill does return, concussions are tricky. If he passes the test will he be 100 percent and capable of returning and being a factor? Hill has averaged 17 points, almost five rebounds and assists per game. Augustin is solid off the bench, so when he's is forced to start, the Pacers' bench is vulnerable. Aside from George, Hill and Augustin, nobody else can run the Pacers offense.
The Knicks now have the edge in the series. With no pilot on offense, the Pacers are vulnerable. The Knicks bench is potent and it looked strong in Game 5 as Chris Copeland and J.R. Smith combined for 26 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Smith could work on his shooting as he finished the game 4-11 from the floor.
How Can the Pacers Win?
Working from the inside out. The Pacers have the abled bodies in the paint. David West beats himself since he misses so many shots (finished Game 5, 7-17). No Knick is able to match West physically. Carmelo Anthony plays defense when he wants and seems to get called for stupid fouls. Tyson Chandler is on Roy Hibbert, so West can take advantage of the other half of the paint.
The Pacers will need a lot of second point chances and make sure they establish their presence in the paint as soon as the game begins. They have to hit West and Hibbert down low. This will them force the Knicks to guard the paint and consequently free up Pacer shooters, George, Augustin and Lance Stephenson who has the knack of dropping threes.
How Will the Knicks Win?
Their bench. When the starters are taking a breather Copeland, Smith and Kenyon Martin have to provide a push. Martin's presence in the paint has been crucial for the Knicks. Martin finished Game 5 with two blocks and a steal. Jason Kidd seems to be getting too many minutes. It would be better for the Knicks coach, Mike Woodson to leave him for the garbage minutes and let Smith run the offense.
Of course, Anthony needs to lead his team to victory, but now that Hill is out, the Pacers bench is short and the Knicks have the advantage as their veterans get rest.
Final Score: Knicks win 92-85