Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hoops Tonight: Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Preview & Prediction

Release Date: May 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Hoops Tonight hosted by Jason from The Volume, the focus is on previewing the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Jason delves into team analyses, key matchups, betting odds provided by DraftKings, and offers his prediction for the series outcome.

Season Series Overview

Knicks vs. Pacers Regular Season Performance

• Knicks' Dominance:

  • Offensive Rating: Knicks averaged a 126 offensive rating over three games.
  • Rebounding: Controlled the boards with 53.6% of available rebounds, including grabbing over 30% of their own misses.

• Pacers' Performance:

  • Offensive Rating: Pacers averaged a 115 offensive rating in the same span.

Jason Highlights:

"The Knicks dominated the glass, grabbing 53.6% of available rebounds and over 30% of their own misses in this matchup during the regular season."
(Timestamp: 04:30)

Betting Odds and Analysis

DraftKings Betting Insights

• Current Odds:

  • Knicks are -1.40 favorites to win the series.

• Jason's Perspective:

  • Views the series as a coin flip with a slight edge to the Pacers.
  • Suggests betting on Indiana at +1.20, considering the Pacers' overall team strength despite the Knicks' home-court advantage.

"I view this as very much a coin flip series and I think the Pacers are a slightly better team. But I think the Knicks have home court advantage and that obviously matters."
(Timestamp: 07:45)

Team-by-Team Breakdown

Indiana Pacers on Offense

Key Matchups:

• Tyrese Haliburton vs. Mikhail Bridges
  • Bridges effectively guarded Haliburton in the regular season, limiting his performance.

Performance Metrics:

• Haliburton's Stats in Regular Season Games:
  • Averaged 17 points and 9 assists on 44% shooting from the field, 26% from three.

Jason's Insights:

• Defensive Strategy:
  • Mikhail Bridges possesses the tools to pressure Haliburton, including good motor, screen navigation, and defensive length.
  • Potential to deny Haliburton the ball, forcing him into passive plays.

"He can peel switch, and I think we will see some switching, especially in Haliburton and Siakam actions in this series."
(Timestamp: 10:15)

New York Knicks on Offense

Key Players:

• Jalen Brunson vs. Andrew Neesmith
  • Decision to match Brunson with Neesmith to leverage athleticism and disrupt Neesmith's rhythm.

Defensive Considerations:

• Handling Clutch Situations:
  • Brunson has been the best clutch player in the playoffs with 43 clutch points.
  • Jason emphasizes the importance of defensive communication and effort to manage clutch moments.

"Jalen Brunson is just playing at an incredibly high level right now. There's only so much you can do."
(Timestamp: 25:40)

Key Player Analyses

Indiana Pacers

1. Aaron Neesmith

   • Improved performance with 52% shooting in unguarded catch-and-shoot threes during the playoffs.
   • Averaging 15 points per game with significant offensive rebound contributions (1.6 per game).

2. Josh Hart

   • Offensive Threat:
     • 60% from three in the playoffs (12 for 20).
     • 2.3 offensive rebounds per game against the Pacers.
   • Defensive Role:
     • Assigned to guard Aaron Neesmith, providing athleticism and defensive pressure.

"Josh Hart could do a lot of damage to Tyrese Halliburton in this series on the glass, attacking downhill off of closeouts and in transition."
(Timestamp: 18:50)

3. OG Anunoby
   • Offensive Aggression:
     • 48% on unguarded catch-and-shoot threes.
     • Aggressive off-ball movement player.
   • Defensive Duties:
     • Primarily responsible for contesting Pascal Siakam's shots and aiding in overall team defense.

"OG Anunoby is the quintessential off-ball scoring forward as we've talked about so much this season."
(Timestamp: 22:10)

New York Knicks

1. Mikhail Bridges

   • Defensive Specialist:
     • Assigned to guard Tyrese Halliburton, limiting his effectiveness.
     • Struggled offensively in the regular season but contributes crucially in defense and transition.

2. Pascal Siakam

   • Offensive Role:
     • Efficient in transition and spot-up situations.
     • Chooses to work 2/3 of his time off the ball, reducing isolated plays.
   • Defensive Responsibilities:
     • Containing the Pacers’ offensive threats, especially focusing on Josh Hart.

3. Karl-Anthony Towns (CAT)

   • Offensive Prowess:
     • 30 points and 12 assists per game, 57% shooting from the field, 47% from three.
     • Key in spacing the floor and creating scoring opportunities.
   • Defensive Impact:
     • Primary defender against Miles Turner, instrumental in both offensive and defensive plays.

"CAT is the key to the series on both ends of the floor. He was the guy who killed the Pacers defense all season."
(Timestamp: 26:20)

Bench Contributions

Indiana Pacers

• Depth Advantage:
  • TJ McConnell:
    • Excellent scoring and playmaking off the bench with 19.7 rebounds and 10 assists on 55% true shooting.
  • Ben Matheran:
    • Highest scoring rate from the bench with 23 points per game on 58% true shooting.
  • Obi Toppin & Ben Shepard:
    • Provide athleticism, transition plays, and three-and-D roles, enhancing the Pacers' versatility.

New York Knicks

• Limited Bench Impact:
  • Deuce McBride:
    • Struggling offensively but maintains 40% shooting from three in playoffs.
  • Mitchell Robinson:
    • Dominant on defense and rebounding, crucial alongside CAT.

"There is not a single Pacer who has averaged over 35 minutes per game in this postseason."
(Timestamp: 27:45)

Series Prediction

Jason’s Forecast:

• Pacers' Edge:

  • Slightly better overall team depth and bench scoring.
  • Predicts the Pacers will win the series in six games.

• Knicks' Potential:

  • Believes the Knicks can steal Game 1 and utilize strong performances from key players like Bridges and CAT.
  • Mentions possible scenarios where Brunson outperforms in clutch moments to swing the series.

Final Prediction:

"I think the Pacers are a slightly better team that are slightly more likely to get the job done."
(Timestamp: 28:50)

Closing Remarks

Jason wraps up the episode by highlighting the excitement surrounding the Knicks-Pacers series and encourages listeners to follow Hoops Tonight on various platforms for updates and further analysis. He also previews a live show with Colin Cowherd post-game, ensuring fans stay engaged throughout the postseason.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason on Betting Odds:
  "I think that's a good betting opportunity on the Indiana side."
  (Timestamp: 07:50)

• On Jalen Brunson's Clutch Performance:
  "Brunson has scored 43 clutch points in these playoffs. No other player in the NBA scored more than 26."
  (Timestamp: 13:15)

• On the Importance of CAT:
  "CAT is the key to the series on both ends of the floor."
  (Timestamp: 26:20)

• Series Prediction:
  "I think the Pacers end up getting this thing done in six games."
  (Timestamp: 28:50)

Conclusion

This episode of Hoops Tonight provides an in-depth analysis of the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and the Pacers. Jason offers valuable insights into team strategies, key player matchups, and betting perspectives, culminating in a well-reasoned prediction favoring the Pacers. Fans are encouraged to stay connected through social media and upcoming live shows for continuous coverage of the playoffs.