3 Biggest Keys to Pacers Taking Down Knicks in NBA Cup Showdown

The Indiana Pacers will be taking on the New York Knicks tonight for their second game on the NBA Cup schedule.

Indiana lost to the Miami Heat in the first game, with them sitting in last place of Group B, holding a point differential of -20. For the Pacers, this game against New York could be huge if they want to get back in the race for the NBA Cup.

Both teams are currently 0-1 in the standings, making this contest a race to not be in last. Indiana still has three more games to go in the NBA Cup Group Play, giving them a chance to get back in the hunt if they can defeat New York

Here are three of the biggest keys to the Pacers find a way to take down the Knicks in the NBA Cup game:

1. Someone Sets Tone on Offense

With no Tyrese Haliburton in the game, Indiana has to find someone to help them run the offense in this contest. Luckily for the Pacers, veteran guard T.J. McConnell is expected to play, with him being listed as probable for the matchup.

McConnell isn't as explosive as Haliburton, but he understands how to lead an offense, and he could get guys into strong spots to score. Since making his return to the court, the veteran guard has averaged just 3.7 assists this season, and the Pacers may need more from him tonight.

2. Pascal Siakam Continues Strong Play

Siakam has much more responsibility on his shoulders with Haliburton out, and the forward has done well with this. The veteran has scored at least 20 points in four straight games, and Indiana needs him to keep this going against New York.

For the season, Siakam has averaged 22.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game, while shooting 34.5 percent from beyond the three-point line. Siakam is the leader of this team without Haliburton, and the Pacers need another strong outing from him.

3. Ivica Zubac Handles KAT

One of the biggest questions entering the NBA season was how center Ivica Zubac would play for the Pacers. Zubac, the team's big trade acquisition last year, has started the year off slow, but he's somewhat picked things up over the last few games.

Against the Knicks, Zubac will have to figure out how to contain star Karl-Anthony Towns, limiting the damage he can do against the Pacers. Zubac needs to be a main factor in this game for Indiana, on both sides of the ball for the team to get a win.