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The Indiana Pacers need to think happy thoughts, gin up some positive energy to shake their recent run of bad games and come out swinging in the Garden against the New York Knicks.
I know, all the Pacers have to do is go back and review the last time they played the Knicks. It was less than two months ago so the hopefully the Pacers can still recognize themselves when they play at a high level. In fact, not sure the Pacers could play much better than they did in their 125-91 win over the Knicks on Feb. 20. At least for half.
The Pacers scored 44 points in the second quarter, part of a 75-point first half that absolutely knocked out the Knicks before the break. After watching the Pacers lately, it is hard to imagine the Pacers getting to 75 points before the end of the third quarter, let alone the half. Or how about holding the red-hot Knicks to 91 points? Really, it wasn't that long ago.
The Pacers have lost three of their last four games, but played a stretch of brilliant minutes within each game. Today in MSG, they'll need 48 brilliant minutes to beat the Knicks. A tall order, but as we saw earlier this year, entirely possible.
George Hill may not play for the Pacers which would put D.J. Augustin in the starting lineup at point guard. Knicks too are down some front court depth with Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby and Tyson Chandler all remaining questionable for the Pacers. The Knicks have been going small with Carmelo Anthony at power forward which certainly hasn't slowed down their offense in any way. The Pacers have the size to take advantage of the Knicks thin frotn court, but they will have to dictate how the game is played to take advantage.
For more on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.
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