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Game Preview: Pacers vs Knicks

Last Updated: March 4, 2015 at 5:40 PM

Matchup

The Pacers (25-34) will look to keep the good times rolling on Wednesday night when they host the New York Knicks (12-47). Wednesday's game will be the second meeting between the two teams. Indiana prevailed 103-82 on Jan. 29 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The Blue & Gold have won eight of their last 10 games to surge within a half-game of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Now, they'll play two of their next three games against the Knicks, owners of the worst record in the NBA.

Pacers head coach Frank Vogel was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February on Monday afternoon, a milestone Vogel referred to as "a team award."

Indeed, the Pacers' recent success comes from a collective effort. Since the start of February, eight Pacers players are averaging between 7.6 and 15.5 points per game. Five players boast a double-digit scoring average and it seems like each night there's a different star. Point guard George Hill was the headliner in Friday's win over Cleveland, while center Roy Hibbert dominated Sunday's victory over Philadelphia, collecting 14 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks.

Every Pacers player seems comfortable in their respective roles. Rodney Stuckey is averaging a team-best 15.5 points per game since Feb. 1, even though he's moved out of the starting lineup. Luis Scola has been a consistent scorer and rebounder for the second unit. To a man, they all seem to know exactly what is expected of them.

"The team doesn't need me to score a lot of points," Hibbert said after Sunday's victory. "I just try to make sure I play good defense and try to rebound."

With a favorable schedule coming up, the Pacers have a golden opportunity to entrench themselves in playoff position, provided they continue to play for each other.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are entering the stretch run of one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Superstar Carmelo Anthony had season-ending knee surgery after the All-Star Game and the Knicks waived veteran power forward Amar'e Stoudemire and traded guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert in recent weeks. New York is playing out the remainder of the season with a young and unproven roster and getting in plenty of advance scouting for the 2015 Draft.

Projected Starters

George Hill

George Hill

C.J. Miles

C.J. Miles

Solomon Hill

Solomon Hill

David West

David West

Ian Mahinmi

Ian Mahinmi

Langston Galloway

Langston Galloway

Tim Hardaway, Jr.

Tim Hardaway, Jr.

Cleanthony Early

Cleanthony Early

Lou Amundson

Lou Amundson

Andrea Bargnani

Andrea Bargnani

Pacers: PG - George Hill, SG - C.J. Miles, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Roy Hibbert
Knicks: PG - Langston Galloway, SG - Tim Hardaway, Jr., SF - Cleanthony Early, PF - Lou Amundson, C - Andrea Bargnani

Injury Report

Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation for broken right leg), Roy Hibbert - out (rest)

Knicks: Carmelo Anthony - out (left knee surgery), Jose Calderon - out (sore left Achilles)

You Can Quote Me On That

"We had the mindset that we had to weather the storm early through all the injuries that we had early on in the season and try to get better each month. We had a strong month of February and we've got to build on that." -Frank Vogel

"We're just trying to stay focused and pick up wins where we can get them." -Pacers forward David West

"We've got a bunch of home games down the stretch, which (is a good thing). But again, we've got to remain solid. We still have to go out and perform and win games. It's not a guarantee." -West

"Every game matters right now. We feel like Miami's going to be strong down the stretch, Brooklyn's going to be strong down the stretch. All these we're competing with — Charlotte, Detroit, Boston — they're all playing good basketball. We've got to win every night." -Vogel

When Did Donald Sloan Get Up Today?

Last Meeting

January 29, 2015: The Pacers outscored the Knicks 35-12 in the third quarter on their way to a convincing 103-82 victory at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana shot a season-best 53.2 percent from the field in the win.

Rodney Stuckey led the Pacers with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Roy Hibbert recorded his 12th double-double of the season, finishing with 18 points (on 9-of-11 shooting) and 10 rebounds. David West and Solomon Hill each added 10 points as 11 Pacers players found their way into the scoring column.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 18 points on 8-of-17 shooting, but only scored two after halftime. Lou Amundson surpassed his season high with 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

Noteworthy

  • The Pacers have won five straight regular season home games over the Knicks. New York’s last win at the Fieldhouse came on March 17, 2012.
  • New York leads the overall series with Indiana 87-74, but the Pacers hold a 51-30 advantage at home.
  • Knicks forward Lou Amundson has played for 10 different NBA franchises, tied with Drew Gooden for the most among active players. Amundson appeared in 60 regular season games and 11 playoff contests with the Pacers during the 2011-12 season.

Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)

Tickets

Good seats still remain for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. Reserve your seats now: Find Tickets »

Bankers Life Fieldhouse Improvements Underway

Starting the week of Feb. 2, concession stands located outside of Sections 5 and 14 on the Main Concourse and Sections 215 and 231 on the Balcony Level will be temporarily closed. Fans sitting in these sections are asked to please visit other nearby concession stands. More Info »

Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special

Select Pacers Jerseys - $40. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Please shop online also at PacersGear.com.