Knicks vs. Pacers predictions: Who will win second round series in 2024 NBA playoffs

An old rivalry will be re-ignited in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference when the New York Knicks meet the Indiana Pacers. These franchises battled routinely in the postseason during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including three meetings in the conference finals. While we’re sure to see references to New York’s victory in the 1999 conference finals as the No. 8 seed and Reggie Miller’s stunning eight points in nine seconds, the cast of characters is much different this time around on both sides.

Here’s a look at how the two teams match up against each other ahead of the series. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Knicks vs. Pacers predictions

Odds to win series: Knicks -245, Pacers +200
Regular season record: Knicks 50-32, Pacers 47-35
Head-to-head record: Pacers 2-1

Indiana winning the season series doesn’t tell the whole story, as the Knicks didn’t have OG Anunoby for any of the three matchups. New York is going to be without Julius Randle but Anunoby’s defense will be a factor in this series. In the same vein, the Pacers didn’t have Pascal Siakam in any of the games. This will be a matchup of strength vs. strength as New York’s lockdown defense will go against Indiana’s high-octane offense.

Pick: Knicks in 5 games

Many will focus on the point guard matchup between Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton, who have showed out during this season. Brunson has solidified his star status, setting a Knicks franchise record for most points in a playoff game as his team took out the 76ers in the first round. Haliburton dazzled in the league’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, which likely pushed the Pacers to make that final push to land Siakam ahead of the trade deadline. However, it’s important to remember the key role players in this series.

Josh Hart, Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo have all taken on bigger roles with injuries to Randle and Bojan Bogdanovic. Even Miles McBride has stepped up in a big way. The Pacers haven’t dealt with that adversity and needed six games to take down a depleted Bucks team. Indiana’s offense is known for scoring points but it was inconsistent in the opening round. I see the Pacers being able to grab a game at home but the Knicks are the better overall unit and have the best player on the floor in Brunson. New York should take this series in five.