Get ready for the emotional rollercoaster that is a playoff series against a rival. Every win is euphoric, every loss a trauma.

The highs and lows, as whiplash inducing as they can be, are what we pine for during down years. They're why we watch YouTube videos of random Slovenians and Mid-Major sharp shooters during draft season. Every roster building decision ultimately comes down to the question, "how will this guy be able to help us when it's time to scratch and claw our way to a playoff win?"

Now, those decisions will be evaluated under the brightest lights on national TV over the next few weeks. Narrative can get players end-of-season awards. Only play can them to the next round.

The New York Knickerbockers

The matchup with the Knicks is fascinating in many ways (without even delving into the history between the franchises).

Battle for Point God

First, both teams are led by breakout point guards. Brunson and Tyrese (or at least their fans) have been competing since the summer when they both played for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. Though Brunson was the starter on Team USA, Tyrese seemed to make a bigger impact and was rewarded with a spot on the Olympic roster.

Despite both being offensive weapons and defensive liabilities, their games are worlds apart. Brunson is a high usage scorer who thrives in the lane and at getting to the line. Tyrese, on the contrary, is quick to give up the ball and mostly settles for deep threes when he looks to score. That's something Tyrese won't be able to continue if the Knicks force him into the paint like the Bucks did.

Even though neither player will be the primary defensive matchup for the other, we're likely to see both teams hunt the opposing PG in the half-court.

The Toronto Exiles

Both OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam were traded mid-season from Toronto to their current teams, where they've elevated the play of their new teammates.

Siakam's ability to create easy looks in the paint has been a godsend for the Pacers who have very few players at their best punishing defenses in the paint. When Siakam is on, his gravity sucks in the coverage and opens up good looks for his perimeter shooters. If OG can guard him one-on-one, the Pacers will have to work to get Pascal switched onto a more favorable matchup or else disappear from the series.

Depth vs Talent

Nobody rides his starters harder than Thibs. Unlike the Knicks, who treat the bench like a last resort, the Pacers use their depth to their advantage. The pace at which the Pacers play makes having a platoon of fresh legs to spell the starters a necessity. For the Pacers to win the series, the bench will need to be win their minutes.

Switching

The Knicks do not like to switch on defense when they can avoid it. When Buddy Hield left, the Pacers lost their favorite counter to a defense switching a big onto Tyrese Haliburton: the ghost screen. Therefore, the Pacers will be more than happy to deal with "show and recover" defense if that's what the Knicks choose to throw at them. It should allow Tyrese plenty of opportunities to get his shot off or make a quick pass to get the defense in rotation.

Much like the Bucks series, expect Andrew Nembhard to find plenty of space to operate offensively, assuming that Brunson guards him. Nembhard will frequently be used as a screener to test Brunson's ability to stick to his assignment through multiple waves of actions. If Nembhard can continue to shoot with accuracy like he did in Round 1, the second year guard is poised to make a substantial two-way impact this series.

Styles Make Fights

This is a continuation of the depth section, I suppose. But the Pacers run, the Knicks do not. Whichever team imposes its will onto the pace of play will have a significant advantage.

Injuries

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:30 PM ET.

TV: TNT, TruTV

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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