NBA
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers Prediction, Preview, and Odds – 5-17-2024
The fifth game of this series between the New York Knicks (3-2; 49-41-3 ATS) and Indiana Pacers (2-3; 49-41-3 ATS) was chippy. Five technical fouls were assessed in New York’s 121-91 victory. Game six is in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but may follow suit. At 8:30 p.m. EDT, Indiana’s season will be on the line. By the end of Friday night, the Knicks could be in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Who will come out on top in this high-stakes battle?
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No Excuses, No Quit in New York
In game four, the Knicks got punched in the mouth. In game five, they swung right back. Miles McBride entered the starting lineup, making New York small but aiding their spacing and defense. Let’s start with that defense, which limited the Pacers to a season-low 91 points. New York, who had the NBA’s best rebounding percentage this season, finished with more defensive rebounds (33) than Indiana had total rebounds (29). The Knicks only allowed 36 points in the paint while forcing twice as many turnovers as the Pacers. It was an excellent response after Indiana averaged 117.5 points against them through the first four contests of the series.
Then, the offense was on fire. Jalen Brunson had 44 points and seven assists with only seven free throw attempts. It was the second time in this series that he exceeded 40 points. The Knicks only committed nine turnovers. Their 20 offensive boards were a major reason that the squad had 62 points in the paint. Another subpar shooting performance from Donte DiVincenzo was the only blemish in that 121-point performance. Can they carry it with them to Indianapolis?
Key Injuries – Julius Randle (out); Bojan Bogdanovic (out); Mitchell Robinson (out); OG Anunoby (out)
Indiana’s First Elimination Game
For a lot of the players on this Pacers team, this will be the first time that they face an NBA elimination game. Fortunately, the first is at home. Indiana hasn’t lost in Gainbridge Fieldhouse yet during this postseason. It helps that the NBA’s highest-scoring teams put up more than 120 points in four of those five victories. Tyrese Haliburton only attempted nine shots in game five, something that needs to change if the team is going to survive. Before committing 18 turnovers in game five, Indiana had the best ball security this postseason. Let’s see if they fix their woes following their worst offensive performance to date.
Then, the defense needs to get back to the suffocating mode of game four. That’ll start with the better defensive rebounding, as the Knicks grabbed 20 in game five. Indiana was 26th in defensive rebounding percentage this year, so that was not a new problem. Only forcing nine turnovers, their lowest total of this series, was new. Getting stops was never Indiana’s strength. However, they’ll need to find ways to get stops in the next pair of games if they want a shot at a title.
Key Injuries – Benedict Mathurin (out)
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Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Rating:
The first three games of this series were tight. After each team had a dud, expect this elimination game to return to that. If Jalen Brunson’s shot is falling, as it has for the better part of 2024, Indiana will struggle to get stops. That alone will ensure it comes down to the wire.
New York’s offensive rebounding is another reason why they won’t have issues offensively again. The Pacers did not have a good plan against the Knicks’ new starting lineup, and they need to show that they can crack that pressure. Take New York to cover the spread, at least.
Prediction: New York Knicks +5.5
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Rating:
Three straight games have ended under the total. That ends on Friday. For the first time since game two, both teams will score at least 110 points. For New York, they’re getting plenty of open looks. For the Pacers, fewer turnovers will help them play like the league’s highest-scoring team again.
Expect Tyrese Haliburton to bounce back from an awful game five. Jalen Brunson should have at least 27 points and six assists, while Donte DiVincenzo will hit three-pointers this time around. Take the over.
Prediction: Over 216
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