With Detroit leapfrogging Milwaukee into the No. 5 spot, the No. 3 vs. No. 6 first-round playoff matchup has a new look. A Knicks victory over the Bucks on Friday would accomplish two crucial goals: slowing the surging No. 4 Indiana Pacers, who now trail New York by just 2.5 games, and solidifying the Bucks’ current position at No. 6.

Reggie Miller is the Pacers’ leader in playoff games played. The Indiana Pacers have made the playoffs 37 times in their franchise history. They have won three championships, each of which came when the franchise was part of the ABA. Let’s highlight their top five all-time leaders in playoff games played.

The Pacers made history on Thursday by scoring 162 points against the Wizards, setting both a season record and a franchise record as well.

Unfortunately for the Pacers, they might have to play against one of the hottest rookies in the league. After scoring a career-high 17 NBA points against the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny James returned to the G League, where he scored another G League career-high, racking up 39 points in a win over the Santa Cruz Warriors.

The New York Knicks (45-27) visit to the Milwaukee Bucks (40-32) on Friday (8 ET, League Pass). The Knicks have been treading water recently, going 5-5 in their last 10 games without Jalen Brunson, but they remain in sole possession of the No.

Indiana has the 10th-ranked offense and 16th-ranked defense this season. Since Jan. 1, Indiana’s offense ranks seventh and its defense ranks 13th, both better than New York. Still, the Knicks are 2-1 against the Pacers. Indiana didn’t have Myles Turner in one of its losses, though, and New York didn’t have OG Anunoby in that game.

Despite a dominant 128-113 win over the Mavericks Tuesday, the Knicks appear to be limping toward the finish line. The team that took the floor Tuesday was missing starting point guard Jalen Brunson, backup point guard Deuce McBride and backup center Mitchell Robinson.

The Indiana Pacers are playing ... won six of their last seven games, and the only loss was on a last-second tip-in. This streak has them just three games behind the Knicks for third place in ...

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Los Angeles Clippers v New York Knicks ...