Scouting the Pacers

Smash mouth.

Not the band. The Pacers' style. Or more precisely, what the Knicks can expect in the Eastern Conference semifinals starting today.

The Post asked three scouts, an NBA head coach, an opposing team executive and a former assistant coach about the upcoming series. One phrase repeatedly surfaced: smash mouth.

"Very interesting series. The Pacers and big, strong. They play a smash mouth, physical, aggressive style," the head coach said. "It's going to be interesting to see how they match up [David] West defensively. The Pacers usually go conventional, so West would go on Carmelo [Anthony] at power forward or they could go with Paul George. The playoffs are when you'll see things you don't expect."

NBAE/Getty Images

Paul George

Getty Images

David West #21 of the Indiana Pacers

For a series X-factor, one chose Tyson Chandler and his health, maintaining the Knicks center "didn't look right" at times in the Boston series. Another said Pacers point guard George Hill. Another selected West for the well-rounded package he brings Indiana.

DE-FENSE, DE-FENSE

It's not just a Garden staple. Though the Knicks reasserted themselves defensively, the Pacers were among the league's best: They surrendered fewer points per game (90.7) than any team except Memphis. They led the league in both field-goal percentage defense (.420) and 3-point defense (.327). In splitting four games with the trifecta-happy Knicks, Indiana checked J.R. Smith and friends to just 26 percent on 3-pointers.

"In addition to having bulk inside, the Pacers, with George in the lead, are terrific perimeter defenders," one scout said. "That could adversely affect one of the Knicks' biggest strengths."

STAR POWER

"People don't realize how good the Pacers are. Paul George is a great player," the former assistant said.

Yeah, George is pretty good. At 6-foot-10, he is a triple double waiting to happen. He led the Pacers in scoring and steals in the first round ouster of Atlanta.

"I would say, to me, it's critical between Carmelo and George, who impacts the game more at both ends," the head coach said. "Who will be the better two-way player?"

THE PATH HERE

The Knicks and the Pacers won their first round series, 4-2. It wasn't easy. The Knicks went from a 3-0 stronghold to dropping two then holding on in Game 6 after blowing most of a 26-point fourth-quarter lead.

The Pacers, who had a losing road record in the regular season, were pretty much true to form. Though they clinched on the road, they dropped their first two in Atlanta.

At home in three playoff games, the Pacers averaged 108.7 points. On the road in three playoff games, they averaged 80.3.

"Home court is one reason I pick the Knicks," one scout said. "The Pacers shocked me. In Atlanta, I don't understand why they were being so inconsistent."

THIS AND THAT

"[Raymond] Felton versus Hill is a good matchup," the head coach said. "Hill is very, very good defensively. A team leader in steals, makes the right reads off pick and rolls, long arms, can score and a big time shot maker."

The Pacers went virtually the entire season without Danny Granger, a big time scorer. So they did it with seven guys averaging seven points or more — and of course they did it with defense. They can push the ball, but like a controlled tempo and with West, Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough, they are a two-way menace inside.

Why the Knicks? "I like the Knicks because they have more offense. Both teams defend. But I think there will be two or three games where the Pacers just don't score," the exec said.

Why the Pacers? "Carmelo will get his and probably J.R. Smith. But against Boston, Felton was huge with dribble penetration. I don't think Felton gets in the lane anywhere as easy as against Boston. I think they win a series with games in the 80s."