Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions May 10th 2024

Jalen Brunson Ignites the Knicks’ Playoff Drive

As the New York Knicks gear up for Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals in Indianapolis, all eyes are on Jalen Brunson. This guy is on fire! He kicked off the series with a whopping 43 points and didn’t let a foot injury slow him down in Game 2, where he added another 29 points to the scoreboard. It’s clear Brunson isn’t just playing; he’s leading.

Knicks’ Coach Praises Brunson’s Grit

Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau can’t say enough about Brunson’s toughness, pointing out his knack for stepping up when it matters most, even when he’s not 100%. Thibodeau put it best: “To be at your best when your best is needed, even when you may not be feeling your best—that’s who (Jalen) is.” Brunson’s gutsy performances are becoming the backbone of the Knicks’ playoff push.

Pacers Tackle On-Court and Off-Court Hurdles

The Pacers are feeling the heat, trailing in the series and dealing with frustrations that go beyond gameplay. Their coach, Rick Carlisle, called out what he sees as uneven officiating, pushing for fairness across the board. Despite getting tossed in Game 2 for arguing calls, the team, led by guard T.J. McConnell, is trying to keep their heads in the game, focusing especially on areas like rebounding where they’ve fallen short.

Injury Concerns and Comeback Chances

The Knicks are handling their own challenges, particularly with OG Anunoby’s hamstring issue throwing his Game 3 start into question, especially tough since he just scored a playoff career-high 28 points in Game 2. The Pacers have their own silver lining with Tyrese Haliburton, who bounced back from a rough series start to score 34 points in Game 2, showing that the Pacers might just turn things around if they can get their act together on the court.

Execution Is Key

While the Knicks have been killing it with their shooting accuracy, the Pacers are struggling to find their rhythm. Haliburton himself pointed out the missed shots, especially from key players, which starkly contrasts with the Knicks’ impressive 57.0% shooting from the field and 46.7% from three-point land.

Game 3: High Stakes in Indianapolis

Now, as the action moves to Indianapolis, the Pacers are banking on their home crowd to fuel a major comeback. They’ve got to crack the code on stopping Brunson and the Knicks’ sharpshooting. On the flip side, the Knicks are just one win away from taking a dominant lead in the series, aiming to keep their hot streak alive.

With Game 3 around the corner, the stage is set for a crucial showdown. Both teams aren’t just playing for a win; they’re fighting to define their seasons in the intense heat of the playoffs. Get ready for some epic basketball action!