The Indiana Pacers make their second trip to MSG of the season to take on the Knicks. They will have a chance to make up their ugly loss from February 1.
The time has come. Victor Oladipo is off his minutes restriction. The change likely won’t be drastic tonight against the New York Knicks, but expect him to eclipse 30 minutes for the first time this season. The game will also give the Pacers a chance to redeem themselves from their worst loss of the season: the 92-85 rock fight on February 1.
The Pacers took a little momentum into the All-Star break with their 118-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks last Wednesday, but now the season’s final stretch begins. The Pacers, more than anyone, needed the time off to gather themselves. They still have a chance to move up a few spots in the standings over the final 27 games. It all starts with beating the bad teams.
The Knicks had their best run of the season heading into the break, winning four of their last six. They traded their leading scorer Marcus Morris at the deadline, but have been riding Julius Randle during their run. Their games are often low-scoring affairs that require grinding out possessions late in games.
This has to be a game the Pacers win if they want home court in the playoffs. The Miami Heat lost to the Atlanta Hawks last night, giving Indiana the opportunity to make up a game in their first outing back. The fact that the game is at MSG should not create a cause for concern, the Knicks are 8-19 at home this season. This game should be won.
Here is everything else you need to know:
The Indiana Pacers Odds Against the New York Knicks
Odds courtesy of The Action Network, current as of 4:00 pm EST.
Time, Streaming Options, Ticketing
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks – Friday, Feb. 21@ 7:30 pm EST
Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
TV: FSIND (Indiana), MSG (New York)
Radio: 93.5/107.5 FM The Fan (Indiana), ESPN NY 98.7 (New York)
Online Streaming: fuboTV, NBA League Pass
Tickets: StubHub
Injury Report
Indiana Pacers
Questionable: Edmond Sumner (Sore Left Hip), T.J. Warren (Sore Lower Back)
New York Knicks
Questionable: Wayne Ellington (Right Ankle Strain), Elfrid Payton (Sore Right Ankle)
*Both reports via NBA.com
*Injuries will be updated as they are made available