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Eastern Conference finals preview Click here for more on this story Posted: Tuesday June 01, 1999 11:24 AM Sports Illustrated staff writer Marty Burns breaks down the Eastern Conference finals. Click here for his look at the Western Conference's Spurs-Blazers matchup. No. 2 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 8 New York Knicks   Inside Edge Frontcourt: Backcourt: Depth: EVEN Coaching: EVEN Athleticism: Intangibles: Prediction Knicks in six games How they got here: Pacers def. Bucks (3-0 in first round) and 76ers (4-0 in conference semifinals); Knicks def. Heat (3-2 in first round) and Hawks (4-0 in conference semifinals). Season series: Pacers, 2-1. Matchup to watch: Pacers G/F Jalen Rose vs. Knicks SG Latrell Sprewell. Two of the NBA's best -- and most explosive -- bench players go head-to-head in a matchup that highlights Rose's size against Sprewell's quickness. Pacers win if: Rose contains Sprewell in the halfcourt offense, C Rik Smits takes advantage of hobbled C Patrick Ewing, and Indiana limits New York's transition game by controlling the backboards. Knicks win if: Sprewell or SG Allan Houston can keep PG Mark Jackson out of the low post, PF Marcus Camby can prevent PF Antonio Davis from killing New York like he did last year, and Spike Lee doesn't make SG Reggie Miller mad. The X-factor: New York's confidence. The veteran Pacers will look to deliver an early knockout blow to the Knicks, who are heavy underdogs and have nothing to lose. If New York doesn't panic, it can put all the pressure on Indiana.   Related information Stories Knicks remember why they lost to Pacers last year English Lesson: Pacers may be too much for Knicks Blazers topple Jazz 4-2, brace for Spurs showdown Sports Illustrated's Inside the NBA Multimedia Patrick Ewing knows what lies ahead all too well. (299 K) Chris Dudley says he's ready for the Pacers. (190 K) Chris Childs says the Knicks have learned from their previous meetings. (302 K) Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.

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