New York Knicks Will Have Rebounding Edge vs. Indiana Pacers

The New York Knicks survived a physical first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. They are now set to face off against an Indiana Pacers team that will present a new obstacle of challenges.

The Pacers are a high-octane offense that plays a pace and space style. They are going to get into actions quickly and shoot a lot of 3-pointers. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton is the engine to this machine and they surround him with shooters at every position.

That is a style of play the New York Knicks have sometimes had some issues combating. Tom Thibodeau’s rotations and the identity of the team are set in stone. He did a good job adjusting on the fly at points against the 76ers, but an entirely new game plan will be needed against Indiana.

New York’s big men, especially Mitchell Robinson, can be exploited by opponents who play this kind of offensive style. He is not comfortable on the perimeter, evidenced by how Game 5 ended with Tyrese Maxey converting a four-point play on Robinson fouling him and then making a deeper 3-pointer to tie the game with Robinson in drop coverage.

Robinson will certainly receive minutes in this matchup, but Thibodeau could expand his rotation to include the more fleet-footed and agile Precious Achiuwa. Regardless of who is on the court, the Knicks are going to have one major edge they need to take advantage of; rebounding.

In the regular season, Indiana was 28th in rebounds and defensive rebounds per game and 20th in offensive rebounds per game. New York was dominant in each category, ranking first in offensive rebounding and fifth overall.

Controlling the glass is one way New York can help maintain a tempo in the game they prefer. Limiting second chance points by the Pacers will be key, but they need to exploit a poor defensive rebounding team by hitting the offensive glass.

That should be where the New York Knicks can create a massive edge with Josh Hart, Isaiah Hartenstein and Robinson. In the first round against the 76ers, they combined for 65 offensive rebounds. They were the only players in the 2024 NBA Playoffs to have at least 20 in the first round, per Tommy Beer on X.