Not many people would have expected the Indiana Pacers to hold a 2-0 lead going into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, especially with both the opening two games on the road.
Rick Carlisle’s men now return to their home court and can take a huge step towards the NBA Championship if they can seal another victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Despite Jalen Brunsen shining for the Knicks, Indiana got over the line in the first two showdowns and their home record this season suggests they can extend their series lead.
Having edged an overtime battle in Game 1, the Pacers then stunned the Madison Square Garden crowd with another victory on Friday.
Indiana were behind at the close of the second quarter, but racked up 65 points in the second half to claim a 114-109 success.
Much of that win was down to Pascal Siakam, who scored 39 points, claimed five rebounds and provided three assists.
The Pacers head back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse full of confidence and an impressive home record this campaign will only add to that belief.
Of the 40 regular season games on their home court, Indiana lost just 11 and faced the Knicks twice - winning one and losing one against their Eastern Final opponents.
New York is expected to make changes to its starting five, with Josh Hart looking likely to drop to the bench for Game 3.
The former Lakers man managed only 28 minutes on Friday night, having scored just six points, and could be replaced by Mitchell Robinson.
Veteran Point guard TJ McConnell has proven to be a key figure off the bench for the Pacers, scoring double figures in four of the last five games.
Two wins on their home court, on Sunday and Tuesday, will see Indiana seal a place in the Finals for only the second time in franchise history.
The one shining light for the Knicks so far has been the form of Jalen Brunson, who will need to score big if they are to stand a chance of turning the series around.
After finishing the regular season eighth in the points-scoring charts with a 26.0 average, the two-time NBA All-Star has stepped up to another level in the playoffs.
Brunson has averaged 30.4 in the Knicks’ 14 playoff games and has been the standout player of the series to date, despite his team being 2-0 down.
The former Dallas Mavericks' ace has fired 43 and 36 points in the first two games, as well as adding 16 assists across the two matchups.
Before the series started, it was being built as a battle between the two point guards, Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton.
The Knicks man may have won the points tussle, but Haliburton has played a key role in helping his team take a 2-0 lead.
The 25-year-old averaged 9.2 assists per game during the regular season, the third best in the league, and has raised the bar during the playoffs.
Haliburton has an assist average of 9.6 during the Pacers’ 12 post-season games and he will look to control matters in Game 3.
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New York Knicks | +115 ML |
Indiana Pacers | -135 ML |
Spread | IND Pacers -2.0 |
Total Points | O/U 223..5 |
Jalen Brunson (NY Knicks) | O/U 31.5 |
Karl Anthony-Towns (NY Knicks) | O/U 21.5 |
Pascal Siakam (IND Pacers) | O/U 21.5 |
Tyrese Haliburton (IND Pacers) | O/U 20.5 |
Mikal Bridges (NY Knicks) | O/U 16.5 |
OG Anunoby (NY Knicks) | O/U 15.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.