New York Knicks: Key Matchups To Watch Against Indiana Pacers

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Nov 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Al Jefferson (7) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Joakim Noah vs. Al Jefferson

Travel back to 2013-14 and one could argue that Al Jefferson and Joakim Noah were the most valuable centers in the Eastern Conference. Both were named All-NBA and each played instrumental roles in helping their respective teams overachieve and make the playoffs.

Flash forward to 2016-17, however, and Noah is struggling to find his niche with the New York Knicks and Jefferson is coming off the bench.

Don’t let the role changes fool you.

Jefferson is filling his role quite well in Indiana, averaging 18.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes. Noah hasn’t been as bad as he’s been made out to be, posting averages of 7.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.0 offensive rebounds, and 4.4 assists per 36 minutes.

Neither player has been able to stay on the floor for especially long, however, which is why both will need to make the most of their minutes.

Noah’s free throw shooting and surprising defensive inconsistency has limited him to 21.2 minutes per game. Jefferson’s erratic defense has limited him to 15.3 minutes per game—his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2004-05.

Nevertheless, both big men project to make their mark on this game—whether positively or negatively.

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