Knicks vs Pacers Prediction, Picks, Odds for Tonight’s NBA Playoff Game

Tyrese Haliburton’s sudden shift in offensive tactics has led sports analyst Douglas Farmer to doubt the Indiana superstar’s ability to rack up assists in the crucial Game 6 matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a game that will determine the Pacers’ fate.

❗This article contains predictions for an old game!

Knicks vs Pacers Prediction
photo by IndyStar

The New York Knicks’ miraculous comeback from a depleted roster was nothing short of stunning, as they routed the Indiana Pacers by 30 points in Game 5. Isaiah Hartenstein’s tenacious work on the glass and Jalen Brunson’s 44-point explosion led the charge, while Tyrese Haliburton’s disappointing performance, including a mere nine shots and a dismal plus/minus of -22, has left the Pacers on the brink of elimination.

With their backs against the wall, our NBA predictions suggest that Haliburton’s lackluster playmaking will prove to be the Pacers’ downfall. Dive into our expert picks for Friday’s Game 6, and don’t miss our exclusive prop bets and Jalen Brunson props for added value.

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Knicks vs Pacers Ransport

Our opinion

Tyrese Haliburton’s reluctance to drive to the lane has been a recurring theme in this series, with over 61% of his field-goal attempts coming from beyond the arc. While he’s making more of these shots than in the regular season, his increased reliance on three-pointers has come at the cost of his teammates’ opportunities.

Haliburton’s drive-and-dish plays, which averaged 10.9 assists per game in the regular season, have been noticeably absent in the postseason. His average of 8.2 assists per game has dropped to just 6.8 assists per game in this series, with only one game exceeding his points prop and even that was with a mere nine assists. His shift in shot selection has stifled the Pacers’ offense, leaving teammates without their own looks.

As the Pacers face elimination, I anticipate Tyrese Haliburton will abandon his reluctance to drive and instead rely on his three-point shooting prowess. His recent form suggests a more aggressive approach, with a 12-three average per game in Games 2-4, and a consistent ability to hit at least four deep shots per game. In two of those games, he even surpassed 20 points, indicating a potential for a breakout performance from the Pacers’ star.

Knicks vs Pacers opening odds
Spread: New York +5 (-110) | Indiana -5 (-110)
Moneyline: New York +165 | Indiana -200
Over/Under: Over 217.5 (-110) | Under 217.5 (-110)

Knicks vs Pacers spread and Over/Under analysis

  • The Pacers, still reeling from their blowout loss in Game 5, opened as 5-point favorites at home for Game 6, but the number increased to -5.5 by Thursday morning.
  • Despite the Knicks’ mounting injury issues, the spread for Game 6 is lower than it was in Indiana’s previous two home games, likely due to the Pacers’ extra day of rest since Tuesday’s defeat.
  • The total for the game opened at 217.5, but was adjusted downward to 216 at most books by Thursday morning, with some sportsbooks even dropping it to 215.5 ahead of the game.

Knicks vs Pacers trend

The Pacers are 28-18 to the Over at home this season, including 3-2 in the postseason. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Pacers.

Knicks vs Pacers game info

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Date: Friday, 5-17-2024
Tip-off: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

Knicks vs Pacers latest injuries

Indiana Pacers
Player Position Status
Bennedict Mathurin SG Out for season – Shoulder
Reported: Sat, March 9
Mathurin is likely to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
New York Knicks
Player Position Status
O.G. Anunoby SF Ques Sun – Hamstring
Reported: Sat, May 18
*Anunoby missed the last game dealing with a left hamstring strain, and its is unclear if he will take part against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Mitchell Robinson C Out for season – Ankle
Reported: Wed, May 8
*Robinson is likely to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a stress injury to his left ankle.
Bojan Bogdanovic SF Out for season – Wrist
Reported: Tue, April 30
*Bogdanovic will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season after having surgery to repair injuries to his left foot and left wrist.
Julius Randle PF Out for season – Shoulder
Reported: Thu, April 4
*Randle will miss the remainder of the season while recovering from right shoulder surgery.
Josh Hart SG Ques Sun – Abdominal
Reported: Sat, May 18
*Hart left the last game with abdominal soreness, and it is unknown if he will suit up against the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

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