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NBA Playoffs: Betting Insights Saturday 31st May
Statistically, the Knicks have the edge in several areas. Jalen Brunson is averaging 33.0 points per game in the conference finals, showcasing his offensive prowess. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a consistent force, scoring 20+ points in each game of the series. The Pacers, while efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 39.7% in the postseason, have shown vulnerability when their perimeter shots aren't falling.
by Malachi
NEW YORK KNICKS @ INDIANA PACERS
Player News
Out: N/a
Questionable: T. Bradley
Market
Opening: -4 IND / 220
Current: -3.5 IND / 219.5
Analysis
Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers is set for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers lead the series 3-2, but the Knicks are riding high after a commanding 111-94 victory in Game 5. With the Pacers favored by 3.5 points and an over/under set at 219.5, both teams are poised for a pivotal showdown.
The series has been a rollercoaster. The Pacers stunned the Knicks in Game 1 with a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback, winning 138-135 in overtime. They followed up with a 114-109 victory in Game 2. The Knicks bounced back in Game 3, overcoming a 20-point deficit to win 106-100. However, Indiana took a 3-1 series lead with a 130-121 win in Game 4, highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton's triple-double. Facing elimination, the Knicks responded in Game 5 with a dominant performance, leading wire-to-wire and forcing a Game 6.
Advanced metrics reveal key insights. The Knicks have struggled with turnovers, averaging 15 per game in the series, up from their regular-season average of 13.3. These miscues have fueled Indiana’s transition offense. However, New York's defensive adjustments in Game 5, including increased pressure on Haliburton, limited the Pacers to 94 points, their lowest in the series. Delon Wright's defensive contributions have been instrumental, with the Knicks outscoring the Pacers by 17 points during his minutes on the floor.
Statistically, the Knicks have the edge in several areas. Jalen Brunson is averaging 33.0 points per game in the conference finals, showcasing his offensive prowess. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a consistent force, scoring 20+ points in each game of the series. The Pacers, while efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 39.7% in the postseason, have shown vulnerability when their perimeter shots aren't falling.
Trends suggest a tightly contested Game 6. The Knicks are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 road games, indicating resilience away from Madison Square Garden. Conversely, the Pacers have won 18 of their last 20 home games against teams with worse records, highlighting their home-court advantage. With both teams displaying strengths and weaknesses, Game 6 promises to be a battle of adjustments and execution.