NBA Conference Finals: Key Questions and Predictions for Knicks-Pacers vs. Thunder-Wolves
The NBA Conference Finals are underway, with the Knicks facing the Pacers in the East and the Thunder taking on the Wolves in the West. As the stakes are raised, several key questions emerge for each series. Who will be the most crucial star guard for their team's success? And who will ultimately advance to the NBA Finals? Our experts weigh in on the biggest questions in both series. Vincent Goodwill asks if the Knicks can slow down the Pacers, noting that while the Knicks were built to beat the Celtics, the Pacers are a different animal with an improved offense. Can Karl-Anthony Towns keep up with Myles Turner, who feels like Indy’s ace in the hole? Tom Haberstroh wonders if the Pacers can continue to shoot like a team full of Reggie Millers, as they are the only team this postseason to collectively shoot over 50 percent from the floor and more than 40 percent from deep. The Knicks, after stymying the Celtics offense, will have a lot to say about that. Dan Devine asks who will lead the dance, noting that Indiana wants to play faster than New York does. If New York’s weaker-link defenders aren’t up for it, Indiana could be off to the races. The Knicks, on the other hand, operate much more deliberately, using Brunson’s isolations, Towns’ drives, and Josh Hart’s forays to create space. If Indiana can’t manage that physicality, New York’s chances improve dramatically. Dan Titus highlights the importance of Karl-Anthony Towns' performance for the Knicks. While he hasn't been consistent in the postseason, he has historically performed well against the Pacers, averaging 27.8 points per game in regular-season matchups. For the Knicks to withstand the Pacers' depth, KAT needs to hold down the block and get shots up from the perimeter while avoiding foul trouble. His performance will be the true X-factor for the series. Ben Rohrbach asks if the Knicks can play to their tempo, as they want to grind out games and get them to the clutch where Brunson and Co. thrive. The Pacers prefer to play fast and give themselves as many opportunities to score as possible. Only the Thunder have played faster through two rounds of the playoffs and are efficient, which is why Indiana carries the best offensive rating of any roster left in the conference finals. In the West finals, Ben Rohrbach asks how Anthony Edwards will handle Oklahoma City's pressure. He was openly frustrated by double teams earlier in the season, and the Thunder can make you feel like you are being double-teamed, even when you are not. Can Edwards succeed in one-on-one situations, draw help, and create advantages for Julius Randle? And vice versa? Those two have to be as in sync as they have been, if not more, for Minnesota to have a shot at winning the series. Tom Haberstroh wonders if Randle can keep this up as he has elevated his game to bonafide star level in this postseason. The answers to these questions will ultimately determine which team will advance to the NBA Finals.
