NBA
Knicks vs. Pacers pick against the spread, over/under for Game 3
![Knicks vs. Pacers pick against the spread, over/under for Game 3 Knicks vs. Pacers pick against the spread, over/under for Game 3](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2vjieNM9PqqMb0JFytEuYwJgK58=/0x409:3600x2294/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25441812/2151647668.jpg)
Game 3 between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers will take place Friday as the series shifts to Indianapolis with the Pacers down 2-0. New York managed to take Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden and will attempt to grab a commanding 3-1 lead, while the Pacers hope to punch back and make this a series.
Jalen Brunson is listed as questionable with a foot injury for New York but is expected to play. OG Anunoby is out with a hamstring strain, adding to the Knicks’ injury woes. Indiana continues to list Tyrese Haliburton as questionable but he’s going to suit up.
The Pacers are 7-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook with the total coming in at 222.5. Indiana is -298 on the moneyline while New York is +240.
Knicks vs. Pacers, 7 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Pacers -7
The Knicks managed to make enough key plays down the stretch in both Games 1 and 2 but they could easily be down 2-0 heading into Game 3. The Pacers have already lodged a complaint about officiating, and we’ll likely see some 50-50 calls go their way at home. Indiana also won’t have to deal with Anunoby, who has been a force since joining the Knicks in a trade. New York’s already thin rotation is going to be further hampered by this injury, and we can expect the Villanova trio of Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo to play essentially every minute here.
Indiana’s offense has been clicking through two games and should be just as good with New York’s depth being a serious question mark. That, combined with some favorable officiating and a home crowd, should be enough for the Pacers to eventually pull away and cover in this game. This line will likely close a bit when Brunson officially gets listed as available, so it might be worth waiting a bit to lock Indiana in.
Over/Under: Over 222.5
Neither side has been particularly good on defense. The Pacers have discovered their offensive efficiency on the road after being abysmal in the first round, while the Knicks have relied on their Villanova trio to pour in the points. Both games in New York went well over this line and even there’s a slight dip in efficiency, this total is low enough to where I’d feel good taking the over.