There were no NBA Playoff games on Friday night, but Saturday’s contest is a big one as the New York Knicks will battle the Indiana Pacers in Game 6. Here’s a preview of tonight’s game as well as the pertinent scheduling information.
Game 6: New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (Pacers lead 3-2)
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
TV: ESPN
New York hopes to stay alive against Indiana in Game 6
The New York Knicks came into their series as the favorite against the Indiana Pacers. But five games in, things haven’t gone to plan and the Knicks now find themselves on the brink of elimination.
Facing a 3-1 deficit in Game 5, New York stepped up with a big win at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. But now they need to travel and win on the road to force a Game 7. Simply put, that could be a tall order. The Knicks lost both of the previous playoff games in Indiana and also lost both regular season contests there. Anything is possible with a player like Carmelo Anthony, but New York hasn’t found playing in Indiana this year to be an easy task. Based on that, it’s no surprise that Indiana has been installed as the early favorite.
On the injury front, all eyes will be on Pacers point guard, George Hill. Hill suffered a concussion and needs to pass a test before he can play again. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be ready by the time game time rolls around.
Hill is an integral part to the team. He averaged 14 points per game in the regular season and has been even better in this series. In addition to scoring more than 17 points a contest, he’s also averaging nearly five rebounds and five assists. If he can’t play, look for more of D.J. Augustin in the lineup. But for his part, Indiana head coach isn’t commenting about his plans if Hill doesn’t suit up.
It would be wise for the Pacers to do all they can to win the game. They have beaten New York on the road in this series, but only once. Altogether, Indiana is only 1-4 in Madison Square Garden this year. The last thing they would want is to have to play there in a Game 7 with everything on the line.
If the Knicks are going to live to fight another day, All-Star Carmelo Anthony will likely need to give them another big game. Anthony hasn’t been bad in the team’s losses, but he’s been better in the victories. In the three New York defeats, he’s averaged 24 points, but shot only 37% from the field. In the two wins, Anthony has been significantly better, scoring 30 points a game shooting 46%. Even on an off night, he will produce. But if he’s on his game, the Knicks have a far better chance to win.
Another key to the game? Look to the bench. In Game 5, New York’s reserves outscored Indiana’s 35-10. The Pacers need to get more production from their backups and a similar effort will probably result in another loss.
Tune in to Game 6 on ESPN at 8:00 p.m.
