The Indiana Pacers play host to the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

The Knicks (12-12) got off to a pleasant start this season, but they haven't had a two-game winning streak since October. That's a terrible sign, with New York posting a 7-11 record since then. They actually enter this matchup losing three of their last four games, losing to three of the best teams in the NBA. In any case, the recent slide has forced Kemba Walker out of the rotation altogether, and that's another terrible sign after paying him in the offseason. He will have to be a part of this club if they are to compete this season, and it's sad to see him take such a steep fall. It has allowed Alec Burks, Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley to play more significant roles, though, and it'll be up to those guys to run this backcourt.

The Pacers (10-16) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games, continuing to struggle late in games. They actually have the worst record in the NBA in games decided by four points or fewer, suffering all but two losses by single-digit margins. That obviously won't get it done, and it's hard to understand why that's an issue. The good news is that all the pieces appear to be playing well, with Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon all performing up to expectations. As long as that continues, this club should creep closer to .500 and get right back in the thick of things in terms of the playoffs. Adding T.J. Warren (foot) at some point will only help, and it makes this a team to watch in the second half.

These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, the Pacers have won 18 of their last 26 games over the Pacers, dating back to 2015.