Now in possession of a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Indiana Pacers are back in action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game Three of their Eastern Conference finals matchup against the New York Knicks on Monday.
With just two wins separating the hosts from a place in the NBA finals, a victory here would move them closer to getting the job done, and the visitors simply cannot afford another defeat.
Match preview
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The Indiana Pacers stunned Madison Square Garden for the second straight match as they claimed a 114-109 triumph over the Knicks in Saturday's Game Two to firmly put themselves in the driving seat.
Rick Carlisle's men have developed a knack for dramatic comeback wins, but their most recent triumph was a relatively more straightforward one, having led for just under 29 of the 48 minutes of action.
In a game where he was the only Pacer to score 20+ points, Pascal Siakam could not have picked a better time to record his highest-scoring game in the playoffs, as he led the way with 39 points on 15-23 shooting from the field.
Nonetheless, it was a real team effort from the Pacers, who became the first team in NBA playoff history to have all five starters make a three, record a steal and not commit more than two turnovers in a single game.
As well as what is set to be a roaring home support, history is also on the Pacers' side to get the job done, as no team to have won both of their opening two conference finals games away from home has gone on to lose the series.
Monday's hosts are 4-1 across their five postseason home games so far and will be full of confidence they can secure another win in front of their fans to move within one victory of playing for the Larry O'Brien trophy.
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After eliminating defending champions the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks were tipped by many to emerge champions of the East but will head to Indiana in need of a miracle to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
Tom Thibodeau's men will still be kicking themselves about the nature of their Game One defeat, although they can have no complaints about Saturday's loss, having been second-best for large spells of the contest.
Tallying a 36-point, 11-assist double-double, both of which were team highs, Jalen Brunson enjoyed another impressive outing alongside Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns (20 points each), albeit all to no avail.
The Knicks will now aim to become the first team to come back from a 2-0 series deficit in the conference finals since the Oklahoma City Thunder managed the same feat against the San Antonio Spurs back in 2012.
With just one victory from their last six trips to Monday's venue, the away side have not fared well on this ground, but it is worth noting that the solitary triumph did come in their most recent visit three months ago.
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Team News
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There is no new injury concern for the Indiana Pacers to deal with, as Isaiah Jackson remains the only unavailable player due to a long-term calf problem.
Pascal Siakam's 39-point display last time out was a new playoff career high for the Cameroonian, who will be looking to deliver the goods for his side once again.
Precious Achiuwa is still sidelined with an ankle issue he suffered in the aftermath of the Knicks' second-round Game Five win over the Boston Celtics.
Brunson extended his record for the most 35-point playoff games over the last three seasons to 13, four more than Jayson Tatum, and the guard is one to look out for here.
Indiana Pacers possible starting five:
Haliburton, Nembhard; Nesmith, Siakam; Turner
New York Knicks possible starting five:
Brunson, Hart; Bridges, Anunoby; Towns
We say: Pacers to win by 6+ points
The Pacers are rolling at the moment, and you would not bet against them taking a 3-0 advantage here.
We are backing the home side to fend off their visitors and emerge victorious when all is said and done.
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