The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers face off again in the NBA playoffs, with a coveted spot in the Finals on the line. New York managed to extend their season on Thursday night, securing a Game 5 victory at Madison Square Garden largely thanks to Jalen Brunson`s 32 points and a determined defensive performance.
Indiana reached this stage by eliminating both the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, defeating each team in five games. Last season, the Pacers beat the Knicks in the second round to advance to the Eastern Conference finals, where they were subsequently swept by the Boston Celtics.
This marks the Knicks` first appearance in the East finals since 2000. Their path included defeating the reigning champion Boston Celtics in six games in the second round, after overcoming the Detroit Pistons in six games in the first round. Jalen Brunson has been exceptional throughout New York`s playoff run.
The Pacers last reached the NBA Finals in 2000, getting there by defeating the Knicks in the East finals. Interestingly, the Knicks` last Finals appearance was in 1999, a journey that also involved defeating the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.
Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
All times Eastern
- Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
- Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109
- Game 3: Pacers 106, Knicks 100
- Game 4: Pacers 130, Knicks 121
- Game 5: Knicks 111, Pacers 94 — Indiana leads 3-2
- Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
- *Game 7: Monday, June 2 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
Knicks vs. Pacers Odds
Odds via FanDuel
- Series odds: Pacers -370, Knicks +295
- Game 6 odds: Pacers -3.5, O/U 220
Knicks vs. Pacers: Game 6 Best Bet
Typically, team offenses face increasing difficulty as a playoff series progresses, as opponents become more familiar with their plays and tendencies. This makes individual scoring ability particularly valuable. For the Knicks, this reliance on individual brilliance, specifically Jalen Brunson`s, has been constant. However, for Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin`s offensive contribution has evolved. He scored 9 points in Game 1, totaled just 2 points in Games 2 and 3 combined, but has since put up 43 points across Games 4 and 5. As New York`s defense adjusts to Indiana`s pace and ball movement, making easy scoring opportunities harder to come by, Mathurin`s ability to create his own offense becomes even more critical. This will likely remain a key factor in Game 6. Mathurin played a series-high 24 minutes in Game 5, and he is expected to be a significant bench piece again in Game 6. The Pick: Mathurin Over 9.5 Points.
Jasper Hawthorne