[7:40 PM] Pacers @ Knicks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Indiana Pacers (14-14)

@ New York Knicks (14-13)

 

• The New York Knicks expect to have point guard Derrick Rose back in the lineup Tuesday night when they attempt to snap a three-game losing streak against the visiting Indiana Pacers. Rose (back) missed three games and most of a fourth during the Knicks’ recently completed five-game road trip but was a full participant in Monday’s practice. With Rose inactive once again, New York fell 127-114 at Denver on Saturday in its worst defensive showing in a regulation game since March 25, 2014 (127-96 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers).

• The Pacers are seeking their first three-game winning streak of the season after outlasting Washington 107-105 at home Monday night. Paul George stayed hot with 27 points, the eighth time in nine outings he has topped the 20-point mark, and Thaddeus Young provided the decisive points on a basket in the final second.

• Jeff Teague had 23 points in the win over the Wizards and is averaging 17.8 points and 8.8 assists in his last five outings. His solid play has been critical with fellow guards Monta Ellis (groin) and Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) missing the last five games and three games, respectively. The Pacers have won the last seven meetings and have held the Knicks to fewer than 100 points in 13 of the last 14.

• Rose’s return will push Brandon Jennings back to the bench, while rookie Willy Hernangomez continues to gobble up the minutes of starting center Joakim Noah. Hernangomez finished Saturday’s loss with 17 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks off the bench as Noah was limited to two points in 11 minutes. Forward Carmelo Anthony, who was given the previous game off to rest a sore shoulder that contributed to a shooting slump, went 10-of-14 from the floor in a 29-point performance against Denver.

• Knicks PF Kristaps Porzingis, who is shooting 45.1 percent this season, is at 37.3 percent through the first nine games this month.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: New York Knicks

Confidence: 5/10

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