On Thursday, 05/29, the New York Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers turned the jets on to pinch out a 9-point win (130-121) in Game 4 to go up 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Can the Knicks at least force a Game 6, or will they have to pack their bags? Go through the total, spread, and player props predictions here.
The Pacers play clean offense, and the Knicks’ defense is overwhelmed
The Pacers were on fire during Game 1. They jumped to a humongous 43-point first-quarter performance, eking out an 8-point lead. The Knicks cut the deficit to 5 by the end of the half, but a 33-27 edge in the third quarter was decisive as the Pacers held on to a big lead to close out the match.
Tyrese Haliburton made history by scoring 32 points, dishing 15 assists, collecting 10 rebounds, and committing 0 turnovers. Truly an unreal statline. Pascal Siakam had his second 30-point performance of the series, once again turning back the clock to his 2019 championship heroics.
Benedict Mathurin, who has been quiet throughout the series, had a 20-point performance off the bench. The Pacers made 13 triples and hit 40+ % FG for the third time in four games this series.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, whereas Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong 24-point, 12-rebound performance to continue his tremendous rhythm. The offensive output was as per the desired level, but it has been the Knicks’ defense that has abandoned them.
They have allowed the Pacers to dominate them from both inside and outside. The Pacers also had a 22-9 fastbreak points advantage, once again bagging a huge advantage on the break.
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
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Total Over/Under Prediction- NBA Best Bets
The Pacers have scored 130 or more in two games this series, while scoring 120+ during most postseason games. They are by far the best offensive team in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, New York has also scored 120+ in two games thus far. Thus, two games have hit the 250-mark in Regulation. Overall, I believe the total will once again hit the “Over” mark.
Tyrese Haliburton Over 9.5 Assists: The Pacers’ lead guard has averaged 11 assists per game during the series, dishing double-digit assists in three of the four games. Thus, I see him doing it again.
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 21.5 points: KAT has played his best offensive basketball against the Pacers. He is averaging 25.8 PPG during the series, scoring 24 or more in three of the four games. I see him going “Over” the mark again.
Josh Hart Over 9.5 rebounds: Hart has been a terrific rebounding presence for the Knicks. Hart has logged 10 RPG during the series, and has collected 10 or more rebounds in four of the five games. Thus, I am going with him to clear the “Over” again.
Main pick: Points: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 21.5 points for +100 at FanDuel
The Pacers have undoubtedly rattled the Knicks’ defense in the series. The higher seed has had no answer for their fast pace and ball movement-friendly offensive strategies. The Knicks would still be ruing blowing the 14-point lead with under three minutes left in Game 1.
At any rate, the Pacers have earned their 3-1 advantage and are just a win away from the NBA Finals. However, I see the Knicks prolonging their journey, at least here. I expect them to cover the spread.
Betting Lines:
Safe Spread Pick: Spread: Knicks for -110 at FanDuel
Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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