Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks – Game Preview – October 25, 2024

The New York Knicks will look to bounce back from a tough season opener as they host the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Both teams are coming into their second game of the season with something to prove—New York aims to find its defensive rhythm, while Indiana hopes to keep building momentum after a strong opening win.
New York Knicks Overview
The Knicks opened their campaign with a disappointing 132-109 loss to the defending champion Boston Celtics. New York’s defense, a strength last season when they allowed the fewest points per game in the Eastern Conference, looked out of sync. Boston torched them from three-point range, shooting 47.5% and tying the NBA record for most threes made in a game.
The offense struggled as well, particularly from new additions. Mikal Bridges, acquired from Brooklyn in the offseason, shot just 2-of-7 from beyond the arc and finished with 16 points. Fellow newcomer Karl-Anthony Towns, who joined the Knicks via trade from Minnesota, managed only 12 points in under 24 minutes of play.
The Knicks will need to improve both their defensive execution and offensive efficiency if they want to avoid falling into an early-season slump, especially against a Pacers team that defeated them in last season’s playoffs.
Indiana Pacers Overview
Indiana comes into this game on a high after rallying to beat the Detroit Pistons 115-109 in their opener. The Pacers overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter, thanks in part to a clutch performance by Tyrese Haliburton. Although Haliburton struggled from three-point range, missing eight of his nine attempts, he made his final shot with 20 seconds remaining to seal the win.
“It wasn’t my best shooting night, but I found other ways to impact the game,” Haliburton said. “In the second half, I locked in defensively to help us get the win.”
Unfortunately for Indiana, their victory came at a cost. New center James Wiseman suffered a torn Achilles in the game and will be out indefinitely, leaving a hole in their frontcourt rotation. Despite the setback, the Pacers are confident they can rely on their depth to stay competitive.
Prediction and Pick
The Knicks are slight favorites in this matchup, favored by 4.5 points at home. Much of their success will depend on how quickly they can adjust defensively and how well their new stars can mesh on offense. The Pacers, however, showed resilience in their opener and have the firepower to push New York to the limit.
- Pick: New York Knicks -4.5
- Prediction: Knicks 115, Pacers 110
Expect a close contest, but the Knicks should be able to secure a hard-fought win at home to even their record at 1-1. Look for a bounce-back performance from Mikal Bridges and improved defensive intensity throughout the game.