Totally agree on the Pacers, they are really good, this series concerns me. With that said, I get your point about underrated, but I see a lot of people picking the Pacers to win the series, more than I see people picking the Knicks. From an "expert" picking POV, the Pacers are favorites. Vegas has the Knicks as the favorite at -135, and the Knicks are +360 to win the title, second to OKC at +135. It's kind of interesting the pickers are taking the Pacers; the odds are favoring the Knicks. As I wrote, I see a 6 or 7 game series, and like last season if I had to pick, I'd say it's a 7-game series.
The Pacers are essentially the same team as last season outside of Mathurin, who didn't play in the series last season. He is a good add for them, but the biggest difference is their growth and maturity, they gained experience and are simply put a better more confident team this season than last season. I thought the Knicks should have beaten the Pacers last season no doubt, but injuries obviously hurt them. I don't feel that way this season, I think it's a razor close series, and truthfully, I give the Pacers a small edge.
The Knicks had no Robinson, no Randle, OG got hurt during game 2 and was done for the series (not counting a 5 minute clearly still hurt game 7 appearance). They lost Hartenstein and DiVencinzo, but added Bridges, Towns, Robinson, and OG healthy. So, the Knicks are better as well.
I know the Pacers will win a game in NY, will the Knicks win in Indy, I'm not as sure. They are really good at home, and not as good on the road. That's the story of the series, can the Knicks get one in Indy, if they can we'll get a 7-game series, and the Knicks can win game 7 at home. If they cannot, the Pacers will win in 6.
BTW - I'd love to see Denver beat OKC. VERY VERY slim chance they will, but I would love it.