Tonight's Matchup: New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
TV: MSG Network (7:00 p.m.)
Knicks Report
The Knicks look to move past Tuesday's 124-86 loss to Sacramento as they square off with the resurgent Pacers tonight in Indy. New York faces a difficult challenge against a feisty opponent on the second night of a back-to-back, but Derek Fisher and his team welcome the opportunity to get back on track.
Fisher said he's looking for more "grit" -- the type he's seen in recent games, including two straight wins prior to last night. The Kings scored 35 points in the 1st quarter and won by getting to the foul line (37 free throw attempts) and leaking out in transition for 29 fast break points. After the game, the message from the Knicks locker room was about shoring up those two areas.
Alexey Shved managed to stand out in the loss, leading New York with 15 points and 33 minutes played. In just his fifth game as a Knick, he took control of the offense at times and was able to get to the basket (nine free throw attempts) and create for his teammates (three assists). Fisher praised his playmaking skills and noted that Shved's size (6'6") makes him a tough cover for opposing guards.
Pacers Report (25-34)
The Pacers have turned it on at the right time, winning eight of their last 10 games just as Paul George makes his return to practice from a broken leg he suffered this summer. Frank Vogel's team has battled injuries all season, but they've stayed true to their identity with the NBA's 9th best defense and sit just a half game out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture entering tonight.
Offensively, they lack the punch that George provides, but they can grind out possessions; familiar faces George Hill (13.8 points per game), David West (12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds) and Roy Hibbert (10.9 and 7.2) have strong continuity and can overwhelm opponents with size in the halfcourt.
UPDATE:
Game Notes
With Jose Calderon (Achilles) out, Fisher went with Langston Galloway, Tim Hardaway Jr., Cleanthony Early, Andrea Bargnani and Lou Amundson in the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. Galloway's 23 minutes were the most of the group... The Pacers won the previous matchup, 103-82, in Indy on January 29th. These two teams will face off again on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.