Will the New York Knicks reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 or will the Indiana Pacers defend their perfect home postseason record? Bettors and NBA fans will be eagerly awaiting to see what unfolds in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals tonight.
With a matchup against the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics awaiting, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and the Knicks just need one more win to advance to the next round, while the Pacers look to force a Game 7 back at Madison Square Garden.
There are a number of options bettors can choose from in this game but three bets in particular caught my eye. Let's get into it.
Jalen Brunson over 38.5 points and rebounds.
Brunson delivered an epic performance with 44 points and four rebounds in Game 5. But the Pacers will likely play with urgency facing elimination on Friday. If the Knicks want to close it out in Game 6, Brunson must respond with another great performance, so expect him to give it his all.
Tyrese Haliburton over 24.5 points and rebounds.
It's crucial for Haliburton to set the tone, especially given how frenzied Indiana looked in Game 5. The Pacers were severely outrebounded and dominated in the paint, so expect Haliburton to come out aggressively. He has cleared 24.5 points and rebounds in three out of the five games this series, so he is likely to bounce back strong.
Donte DiVincenzo over 7.5 assists and rebounds.
Divincenzo didn't have the best shooting night in Game 5, but he contributed in other ways. DiVincenzo was very effective at disrupting driving lanes as the weak side defender and has been in a great position to grab rebounds, clearing this line in three of the five games in this series. He has also averaged 4.6 potential assists and 9.0 rebound chances per game over that span.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers
East semifinals - Game 6
8:30 p.m. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Records (Against the Spread)
Knicks: 50-32 (44-37-1)
Pacers: 47-35 (44-36-2)
Line: Pacers (-6.5) Total: 215.5
Money Line: Knicks (+200), Pacers (-240)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 1.6, straight up 55%, 224.2 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: OG Anunoby, (OUT - Hamstring); Bojan Bogdanovic, (OUT - Foot); Duane Washington Jr., (OUT - Knee); Julius Randle, (OUT - Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT - Ankle)
Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, (OUT - Shoulder)