On Saturday, 05/31, the Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks for Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks emerged victorious by 17 points (16 points) in a must-win Game 5, but still trail 2-3 in the ECF series. Can they once again avoid elimination away from home, or will the Pacers have the final say at home? Find the spread, total, and player props predictions in this NBA betting piece.
Can the Knicks craft a miracle, or will the Pacers prevail on their home floor?
The Knicks came with their best effort of the series in Game 5. They covered two key aspects: one, not allowing the Pacers to get red-hot from the long range, two, avoiding them from stacking up possessions by forcing turnovers.
Indiana shot 10/30 from long range(33%) after hitting 40 %+ Fg from deep in three of the four games. They also committed 20 turnovers.
Four starters, except Pascal Siakam, scored in single digits while Benedict Mathurin avoided a bigger loss via a 23-point performance off the bench. The Knicks attempted 15 more shots which helped them avoid a sub-par 8/30 shooting from the deep.
The usual performers, Jalen Brunson (32 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (24) showed up once again to rescue the squad.
The Knicks’ offense has clicked for most parts, but they were missing a defensive effort akin to Game 5. Is it too late now? The Pacers will be confident of finishing them off in Game 6, but mind you, this Knicks team has the potential to come back in this series.
They will need to contain the passing game of the Pacers. As for the Pacers, they should shut down Brunson and limit KAT below 20 stand a better chance.
Knicks Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: OG Anunoby | SF: Mikal Bridges | C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Key bench players: SG: Miles McBride, C: Mitchell Robinson, PG: Cameron Payne.
Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report
Pacers Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Haliburton | SG: Andrew Nembhard | SF: Aaron Nesmith | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner
Key bench players: SG: Benedict Mathurin, PF: Obi Toppin, C: Thomas Bryant, PG: T.J. McConnell
Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Total Over/Under Prediction- NBA Best Bets
The Pacers’ 94 points mark is their lowest of the playoffs. It came after the team had bundled 130 in Game 4. As for the Knicks, they have scored at least 110 in three of the five games, twice eclipsing the 120-mark.
However, despite some high-scoring efforts from either side, the series has seen more games going “Under” the mark. I believe Game 6 will also fall “Over” the mark since the bookmakers have assigned nearly identical odds to around 219(4-5 points down compared to last game).
Pascal Siakam to score Under 19.5 points: The Pacers forward had 15 points in Game 5. He had 30 in Game 4 while his series high was 39 in Game 2. However, I see him being held “Under” the mark for the second straight game.
Jalen Brunson Over 31.5 points: On Thursday, Brunson became the first Knicks player to have ten 30-point games in Knicks history. He is averaging 33 PPG during the series, having hit “over” on four of five occasions. I see another big-time performance here.
Josh Hart Over 9.5 rebounds: Hart is not losing his effectiveness despite coming off the bench. He has pulled down 10 or more rebounds in five of the last six games. I see him continuing the trend.
Main pick: Points: Jalen Brunson Over 31.5 points for -110 at BetMGM
The Pacers played their worst in Game 5, but they still hold all the cards. The Knicks will need to play out of their skins on the road. I do believe they have the personnel to turn the tide despite a huge disadvantage.
The Knicks showed that belief in Game 5 through their best defensive performance of the series. It is risky, but I have faith in the Knicks forcing a Game 7. I will take the Money Line in their favor.
Betting Lines:
Spread/Money Line Pick: ML: Knicks for +150 at FanDuel
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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