Knicks look to win next 4 games, close out first half

Knicks vs. Pacers

Unfortunately, the Pacer game will not be the test it could have been because it is the second game of a back-to-back for Indiana. They play the Celtics on the 26th. Indiana is a good Eastern Conference team and the match-up with them is an accurate measuring stick for the Knicks’ progress.

Whether the Pacers win or lose the Celtic game, they will probably suffer a letdown. The Knicks should have enough of an edge to beat them. In New York’s 4 point victory on January 2, RJ Barrett played 42 minutes and scored 25 points, with 5 boards and 5 assists. He succeeded in playing bully ball against the quicker but less physical Victor Oladipo. Justin Holiday and Doug McDermott will cover RJ this time. He will have to have his J working to impact the game unless he surprises with stellar D.

The possible Randle-Sabonis match-up should be the highlight of the game. Sabonis has a legit 2+ inches on Julius, but Randle is much quicker with an inch more in reach. There would be nothing Julius Randle would enjoy more than outplaying Domantas Sabonis. Holding him to an even stand-off would probably result in a Knicks win.

For the Knicks to continue their winning streak, it must be a team effort on both ends of the court. The Knicks are certainly not the same team without Mitchell Robinson, but the Pacers will be without Caris LeVert. If Randle plays within himself and gives maximum effort on the defensive end, Sabonis will not outplay him. An Indianapolis let down after their game with Boston the previous evening should give the Knicks the edge they need to win.