NBA Preview Friday 5/17/24

Today’s NBA DFS slate features a pivotal game between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Here’s an in-depth preview of this matchup, providing key insights and statistics to help you understand the dynamics at play.

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New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers

• Vegas Info: Indiana Pacers -6.0, Game Total: 215.0
• Road Team Total: 104.5
• Home Team Total: 110.5
• Time: 8:30 PM ET

Game Matchup Breakdown

New York Knicks (104.5 Implied Total)

• Offensive Rating: 7th in the league
• Points Per Game (PPG): 112.8
• Pace: 30th (slowest in the league)
• Rebounding Rate: 1st

Indiana Pacers (110.5 Implied Total)

• Offensive Rating: 2nd in the league
• Points Per Game (PPG): 123.3
• Pace: 2nd (fastest in the league)
• Rebounding Rate: 23rd

Key Insights

• Pace of Play: This game presents a fascinating clash of styles with the Knicks’ methodical approach against the Pacers’ frenetic pace. The Knicks are the slowest team in the league, focusing on half-court sets, while the Pacers are the fastest, pushing the tempo at every opportunity.
• Rebounding Battle: The Knicks lead the league in rebounding rate, which will be crucial in limiting the Pacers’ second-chance opportunities. This edge on the boards could help the Knicks control the pace and keep the Pacers from getting easy putbacks.
• Three-Point Defense: The Knicks allow a high volume of three-point attempts but have a decent three-point percentage defense. On the other hand, the Pacers’ defense ranks poorly in three-point percentage allowed, which could be exploited by the Knicks’ perimeter shooters.
• Defensive Efficiency: While the Pacers excel offensively, they struggle defensively, ranking 27th in points allowed per game and 24th in defensive rating. This vulnerability could provide the Knicks with scoring opportunities, especially if they can slow the game down and exploit mismatches.

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Projected Matchups

Point Guard

• Jalen Brunson (NYK): Brunson is a high-usage player and the primary playmaker for the Knicks. He will be crucial in controlling the tempo and finding scoring opportunities against a weak Pacers defense.
• Tyrese Haliburton (IND): Haliburton leads the Pacers in assists and usage. His ability to push the pace and create plays will be essential for the Pacers’ high-octane offense.

Shooting Guard

• Miles McBride (NYK): McBride has been getting more minutes due to injuries and has shown he can contribute on both ends of the floor.
• Andrew Nembhard (IND): Nembhard is a versatile guard who can score, pass, and rebound, making him an important piece in the Pacers’ rotation.

Small Forward

• Donte DiVincenzo (NYK): DiVincenzo is a versatile wing who can score, rebound, and assist. His ability to contribute across multiple categories will be valuable in this matchup.
• Aaron Nesmith (IND): Nesmith is a streaky shooter who can provide a scoring boost. His performance will be key for the Pacers, especially from beyond the arc.

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Power Forward

• Josh Hart (NYK): Hart is known for his hustle and ability to contribute in various areas. He will be a key player in securing rebounds and playing strong defense.
• Pascal Siakam (IND): Siakam is a star player for the Pacers, providing scoring, rebounding, and defense. His all-around game will be crucial in this high-paced matchup.

Center

• Isaiah Hartenstein (NYK): Hartenstein’s rebounding and interior defense will be critical against the Pacers’ high-scoring offense. He has stepped up in the absence of other key big men.
• Myles Turner (IND): Turner is a defensive anchor for the Pacers, known for his shot-blocking ability. He will be crucial in protecting the rim and providing inside scoring.

Strategic Considerations

• Knicks’ Defense: The Knicks will aim to slow down the game and use their defensive prowess to limit the Pacers’ transition opportunities. Their top-ranked rebounding will play a vital role in controlling the tempo.
• Pacers’ Offense: The Pacers will look to push the pace and exploit the Knicks’ slower tempo. Their fast-paced style will aim to create open looks and easy transition points.
• Injury Impact: The Knicks will be without OG Anunoby, which has opened up more opportunities for players like Miles McBride and Isaiah Hartenstein. These adjustments will be key in how the Knicks approach this game.

Bullet Points

• Knicks’ Pace: Slowest in the league, focusing on half-court sets.
• Pacers’ Pace: Fastest in the league, pushing the tempo at every opportunity.
• Rebounding Edge: Knicks have the best rebounding rate, crucial in limiting Pacers’ second chances.
• Three-Point Defense: Both teams have vulnerabilities, Knicks in volume and Pacers in percentage.

This game offers a fascinating clash of styles with the Knicks’ slow, methodical approach against the Pacers’ fast-paced, high-scoring offense. Understanding these dynamics is key to navigating today’s NBA DFS slate. Stay tuned for more matchups and insights as the day progresses.