8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Indiana Pacers week ahead: Superstars and big markets

By Tony East

PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 18: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 18: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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Myles Turner Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 04: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers fights for position against Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 4, 2017, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 115-97. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Game 8: New York Knicks – Wednesday, 8:00 PM

The Knicks are… not a very good basketball team right now.

They are also pretty banged up. Kevin Knox, Courtney Lee, Emmanuel Mudiay, and the star of the show Kristaps Porzingis, are all injured at the moment. That could be why it seems like they are so putrid right now.

Their last two losses were both by >20 points, and if not for a game against the lowly Hawks, the Knicks might not have a win yet.

Obviously, Prozingis is the guy who usually is worth breaking down, but with him out, the guy to look into is Tim Hardaway Jr.

THJ is quietly averaging 24.3 points per game so far this season and is shooting at least decently from everywhere. Some players crumble and lose efficiency when their usage increases, but Hardaway seems to be doing ok with the ball in his hands more often.

Last year, THJ did not play well against Indiana. He shot 14/33 and was a -10 across two games. The Pacers seem to know how to contain him, but he could perhaps do some damage in a new role.

Enes Kanter is a monster on the glass and has the Knicks in the top 10 in offensive rebounding this season. Containing him will be a challenge for Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. If they can box him out well, the Pacers should have no trouble winning this game.

Prediction: Pacers over Knicks 108-99

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