3 Reasons Why Pacers Can Win NBA Title

1. Pacers Fresh After Bucks Series

Beating Milwaukee 4-2 was made easier by the Bucks not having Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout, and they were also without Damian Lillard for much of it.

However, that means the Pacers didn’t need to expend as much energy and that bodes well as they await the New York Knicks in the next round.

The Knicks might have been impressive in beating the Philadelphia 76ers, but it was a competitive and physical series, so the Pacers should be the fresher team.

That could have a big impact on the series, and we don’t think Indiana deserves to be underdogs against the Knicks.

There is only upside with the Pacers, especially with players like Tyrese Haliburton, who could have a series to remember. He’s a dynamic player, who can change the nature of a game in the blink of an eye.

2. Trading for Siakam

Adding Pascal Siakam has transformed the Pacers from a solid Eastern Conference team into a good team.

They were typically on the outside looking in when it came to the NBA playoffs, but Siakam gives them some much needed paint points.

Siakam averages 22.2 points, and it’s his presence that made the difference. He’s good enough to go up against the big men of the Knicks, and he has Mylers Turner with him.

“This is one of the reasons we acquired Pascal Siakam,” head coach Rick Carlisle said about Siakam’s leadership. “To have a chance to not only get to the playoffs but to advance in the playoffs. He showed tonight the kind of difference-maker he’s been here.

“He’s been tremendous, and he’s also been a tremendous teammate and a great leader.”

It’s a good 1-2 combination for Indiana and it’s often overlooked. Most standout pairings come in the guard position, but Siakam and Turner work well together and it’s how they kept teams like the Bucks to under 100 points.

They will need to be at their best to stop a rampaging Jalen Brunson, but we fancy their chances against New York over a best-of-seven series.

3. Regular-Season Confidence

The Pacers might be the series underdogs vs the Knicks, but they won the regular season series 2-1.

They won the first meeting at home 140-126, which showcased their elite offense. It has been on display many times this season, and although playoff games are often won on defense, they have a great offense at their disposal.

The Knicks took the second meeting 109-105 at Madison Square Garden, but it was a good effort from the Pacers to keep it close. That bodes well against the Knicks, who are tough to beat at home.

Making it even better was the third game, when the Pacers won 125-111 on the road in February. Arguably, the Knicks improved a lot in the final two months of the season, but credit Indiana for its good play.

Given the line for the Pacers to win the chip with NBA championship odds, they are worth a nibble. They can get through the Knicks and will then likely play the Boston Celtics.

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