On Sunday, 05/25, the Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers continued their impeccable postseason form to complete a 5-point win (114-109) in Game 2. Are the Knicks down-and-out or will they show their embers in Game 2? Find the total, spread, and player props predictions here.
Pacers’ pace and passing too much for New York
The New York Knicks may have lost the series in Game 1 itself when they fumbled a 14-point lead with three minutes to go in the game. They had another shoddy defensive effort in Game 2 as the Pacers plundered 110+ points in a row for the second time in a row.
Indiana pinched a 14-7 Fastbreak advantage and 26 assists compared to 18 by the Knicks. It is in line with the playing style as the Pacers’ ball rotation is weighing heavily on the Knicks’ iso-heavy approach.
This time Knicks also let Pascal Siakam dictate the terms as the PF scored an incredible 39 points. New York limited Tyrese Haliburton to a 5/16 shooting night, but the guard dished a game-high 11 assists.
It was yet another close game, but Indiana once again held their nerve while New York squandered many opportunities to effect a comeback. For them, Jalen Brunson had another 36-point masterpiece while Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns scored in the 16-20 range.
The scoring balance wasn’t bad, but it was the defense that led to the Knicks’ downfall. They allowed Pacers to shoot 40 %+ from the three-point line for the second game in a row. You can’t win Conference Finals games with such lax perimeter defense.
The Knicks still have a chance to make a comeback, but they couldn’t have played worse defense on their home floor.
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: Jayson Tatum is OUT for the playoffs.
The first game yielded 250 points in Regulation and 273 in Overtime, going way over the projections of the bookmakers. Meanwhile, the second game was pretty much in the range of what the oddsmakers predicted. The 223-point count fell in “Under” category, but the projection was pretty much spot on.
The Pacers have beaten the odds on both occasions for 110+ scores, while the Knicks fell behind by around 5-7 points in Game 2. Overall, I see the total going “Over” for Game 3, as I believe the Knicks will have their second 115+ effort of the series.
Jalen Brunson to score over 31.5 points: The Pacers have let the opposition’s ace go off for their best scoring nights. Brunson has scored 35+ in two straight games, and I see another such performance from him in Game 3.
Mikal Bridges to score over 16.5 points: The Knicks Wing has been mostly a dependable scorer. He scored 20 in Game 2 and has put up 20 or more in three of the last five games. I see him clearing the “over” once again.
Aaron Nemsith Over 12.5 points: The Pacers forward followed a 30-point effort in Game 1 with a 12-point outing in Game 2 on 4/7 shooting. I see him accounting for 14-16 points here.
Main pick: Points: Mikal Bridges Over 16.5 points for -108 at FanDuel
The Knicks must be devastated after letting the home court advantage slip completely. They have all the tools to beat a team like Indiana, however, their perimeter defense has been way too lax.
The team needs to regroup on the defensive end, and coach Tom Thibodeau urgently needs to make adjustments.
On the other hand, the Pacers couldn’t be more proud of themselves, as their dogged nature has enabled them to remain just 2 wins away from the dream NBA Finals berth. However. I see the Knicks throwing a wrench in their plans, at least for a while. I opt for a Money Line in New York’s favor.
Betting Lines–
Safe Spread Pick: Money Line: Knicks for +110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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