Knicks vs Pacers NBA Basketball Spread/Handicapping
Life is more than good for the Indiana Pacers these days. Four wins in the last five games, including an 87-77 victory over Miami in their most recent game. Eight wins in the last 10.
New York Knicks (23-11) at Indiana Pacers (21-14)
Thursday, Jan. 10
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
8 p.m. EST
Spread – Pacers -5 at Bovada
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And, putting the chrry on the sundae, when Indiana takes on the Knicks tonight at home in the TNT TV opener, NY will be without its heavy artillery – Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony was suspended for one game by the NBA a few nights ago when he decided it would be a good idea to confront Boston’s Kevin Garnett while the Celtics were boarding their team bus. The league disagreed, so Anthony will not play and not receive the approximate $170k a game he receives in salary.
Even with Anthony, the Knicks would have their hands full dealing with an Indiana team inching its way into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
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Many casual NBA fans would not be able to name even one Pacer. On a team with no stars everyone has had to contribute, and Indiana absolutely can destroy teams on the glass.
In the win over Miami, the Pacers pulled down 55 rebounds to just 36 for the Heat – a staggering number that rendered meaningless Miami’s slightly better shooting percentage.
Even more impressive, Indiana took control of the game when starters George Hill and Roy Hibbert were on the bench. For a long stretch of the game the Pacers’ best players were Tyler Hansbrough and the immortal Ian Mahinmi.
New York, meanwhile, is in need of a 5-hour energy jolt. The Knicks still have the second-best record in the East, but they’ve ben sucking wind of late. In fact, NY is under .500 (5-6) since Dec. 17. .[ad-6571516]
Not to worry (too much), because the schedule is as so soft as it can get (lots of bad teams come in to the Garden) through February.
It’s doubtful that the Knicks are too broken up about Anthony’s night off. It should free up a couple of dozen shots for the likes of J.R. Smith and Amare Stoudemire.
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The Knicks have been struggling without starting PG Ray Felton, who is recovering from a broken finger, and he won’t be back for several weeks.
Given their problems, it’s hard to see New York coming in and taking down an Indiana team that has won eight straight at home.
There’s no sympathy in the NBA, so few will cry over the fact that the Knicks have to turn around after the game and take on another good team (Chicago) Friday night in New York.
With Anthony out, look for a big night from Indiana’s David West. West is due to break out after several low-scoring games.
