The New York Knicks need a win, more importantly they need a win at home. Facing the Indiana Pacers will not make that task very easy as the team comes in with an approaching double-digit win streak looking like early favorites to be a true contender for the NBA Finals. New York is on a three-game losing streak, looking like early favorites to get shutout of the postseason all together.
The Pacers are on a roll thanks to their size up front and stout defense. They have the best defensive play in the NBA right now, allowing no more than 91 points to a team before giving up 110 in their first loss of the season. They are holding opponents to just 39.8 shooting percentage, again before losing to Chicago.
That one loss caught the Pacers on an off night that might not happen much this year. The Pacers shot a season-low 40.0 percent while the Bulls became the first team to hit over half their shots against the Indiana defense. Paul George was clearly off, recording just 12 points as the entire team went just 4-for-16 from beyond the arc.
If the Pacers are looking to play a team to get back on track, the Knicks certainly fit the description. New York is on a three-game losing streak for the second time this season. On the season, the team is shooting just 40.9 from the field, making just 42 of their 3-point shots.
Head coach Mike Woodson will adjust the lineup once more to counter the size of the Pacers. Kenyon Martin is expected to start but likely will not see a large amount of playing time considering he also started on Tuesday and the Knicks are attempting to limit his minutes. Raymond Felton is expected after sitting out Tuesday. Metta World Peace will likely sit out with a knee issue, making for several mismatches for the Knicks.