Big Sports Night in the Big Apple
Fans of the Knicks and Yankees will be glued to their TV screens on Saturday as the Yankees face the Dodgers and the Knicks head to Indiana for Game 6. In this scenario, it would be idiotic to believe that the fans are treating these games with equal weight. While the Yankees are big time, the Knicks are in a do or die situation with an opportunity to win and get the series back to The Garden for a decisive Game Seven.
In Game Five, the Knicks finally focused on playing to Indiana’s weakness and were able to force the Pacers into a slower-paced, half-court game. I’m not over here making millions advising NBA coaches and strategizing yet (that is a nice thought). However, that approach has been the key to New York winning this series since the jump. It is eye opening that it took until Game Five to figure it out, but better late than never if you’re a Knicks fan.
If you’re a Pacers fan, it is simple. Indiana still has to force the tempo and get the Knicks comfortable in taking those threes to get out on the break. In the case of the Knicks making threes, it could be wise to use screens to get Hali free in the backcourt and pushing with a head of steam.
Styles make fights and Game Six will be a battle of wills.
NBA Playoffs:
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers
Pacers lead series 3-2
Game Six
Spread
Knicks +4 (-110)
Pacers -4 (-110)
Total
Over 221.5 (-110)
Under 221.5 (-110)
Moneyline
Pacers (+146)
Knicks (-174)
Player Points
Jalen Brunson Over 30.5 (-106) Under 30.5 (-120)
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 22.5 (-108) Under 22.5 (-118)
Pascal Siakam Over 21.5 (-111) Under 21.5 (-115)
Tyrese Haliburton Over 20.5 (-128) Under 20.5 (Even)
Mikal Bridges Over 15.5 (Even) Under 15.5 (-128)
OG Anunoby Over 15.5 (-125) Under 15.5 (-102)
Myles Turner Over 14.5 (-104) Under 14.5 (-122)
Aaron Nesmith Over 11.5 (-115) Under 11.5 (-111)
Andrew Nembhard Over 10.5 (-111) Under 10.5 (-115)
Benedict Mathurin Over 9.5 (-130) Under 9.5 (+102)
Josh Hart Over 8.5 (-132) Under 8.5 (+104)
Obi Toppin Over 7.5 (+104) Under 7.5 (-132)
T.J. McConnell Over 7.5 (-104) Under 7.5 (-122)
Mitchell Robinson Over 4.5 (-130) Under 4.5 (+102)
Double Result
Pacers / Pacers (-105)
Knicks / Knicks (+250)
Knicks / Pacers (+500)
Pacers / Knicks (+650)
Tie / Pacers (+3200)
Tie / Knicks (+4700)
