The Indiana Pacers blew out the New York Knicks in Game 4 to even up the series at 2 games apiece. For the first time in these Playoffs, New York's lack of depth stood out in Game 4.
Things won't get easier for the Knicks, who will be without OG Anunoby again on Tuesday. Alec Burks was the one bright spot for New York in Game 4, finishing with 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He will likely see another bump in minutes in Game 5.
Through 4 games, the home team has won every game of this series. Including the regular season, the home team is now 6-1 in this matchup with the only road win coming from the Pacers in February.
The Knicks opened as a 3-point favorite at home, however, early money on the Pacers has moved this line to 2.5 points. The total opened at 217.5 but is currently 216.5 at several sportsbooks including DraftKings.
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | +2.5 | +114 | o217.5 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | -2.5 | -130 | u216.5 |
We are 5-1 in our best bets over the last three nights of NBA action, with our one miss being the over in Game 4. The Pacers did their part, scoring 121 points, however, New York couldn't keep pace and ended up resting their starters for the majority of the second half.
With a total of 216.5 available at DraftKings, we get the opportunity to bet a reduced number here in Game 5. These teams have played over 216.5 points in 5 of their 6 matchups this season, and averaged 244.5 points in games 1 and 2 at MSG.
Despite the pace they played with throughout the regular season, and lack of depth they are facing in the Playoffs, the Knicks seem more than willing to let Indiana dictate the tempo of this series. We'll count on that being the case again tonight and are betting the Game 5 total over 216.5 points.
After scoring 16 points in Game 4’s blowout loss, McBride’s props have taken a bump up for Game 5. However, we aren’t budging on these numbers after the Knicks pesty guard posted a -16 on 6 of 17 shooting last game.
With this series on the brink of disaster for New York, expect Thibs to take every possession extremely seriously, especially in the second half. If so, McBride will not be the one shooting 11 three-pointers (his 3PA in Game 4). Before last game, McBride went under this mark in four straight games.
After struggling the last two games in Indiana, sharpshooting Ben Sheppard moves back into the conversation for a 3-pointers made prop bet at MSG tonight. Sheppard has hit two threes in five of ten playoff games, including going 5 of 8 from beyond the arc in Games 1 and 2.
Playing around 20 minutes per game, Sheppard will have a few transition opportunities to knock down triples in what should be an extremely physical game inside that will leave open three-point opportunities for the rookie from the outside.