Knicks Carry 75-Point Edge Into Pacers’ Haliburton-Less Test

Friday’s matchup gives the Knicks a chance to build on a 6-5 start, while the 4-8 Pacers need to snap out of a 1-5 home record. New York ranks 11th in the power index to Indiana’s 21st, and its recent win rate is 80% compared with the Pacers’ 40%. With Tyrese Haliburton out, Indiana will lean on Andrew Nembhard, who has 79 assists, against a Knicks defense allowing 103.5 points per game. Jalen Brunson’s 286 points lead New York, while Karl-Anthony Towns brings 230 points and 149 rebounds into a frontcourt matchup with Pascal Siakam, who has 250 points and 75 boards. The deciding question is whether Indiana can generate enough offense against a Knicks team with a plus-75 point differential, especially if Aaron Nesmith remains questionable.