New York has a three-game lead over Indiana in the battle for playoff positioning, so even if they lose here the Knicks are still in great shape. Knicks center Tyson Chandler will miss his fourth straight game, a big loss against the huge Indiana frontcourt. This is a tough matchup for the Knicks, a team that relies on the three-pointer. However, the Pacers are second in the NBA in points allowed, tops in field goal shooting defense and No. 1 in three-point shooting defense allowing just .325%. The Pacers are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in New York. Indiana is 2-1 against New York this season. The Pacers routed New York 125-91 on Feb. 20 in the most recent meeting when Carmelo Anthony was limited to 15 points. Anthony leads the NBA with a 28.7 scoring average and has topped 30 points in seven straight games, averaging 38.6 points during the stretch -- but not against the Pacers. Indiana is two games ahead of fourth-place Brooklyn in the competition for the No. 3 seed so there is more incentive for the visitors. In addition, the underdog is 12-5 ATS in the last 17 meetings between these rivals. Play the Pacers.
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