Tensions are high as the gritty Indiana Pacers aim to even the score against the formidable New York Knicks in their Eastern Conference semifinal clash on Sunday. Following a pair of stinging defeats, the Pacers displayed their resilience with a hard-fought 111-106 victory in Game 3 on Friday. The Knicks (50-32), boasting a respectable 25-20 road record this season, are determined to advance to the conference finals for the first time since their 1999-2000 campaign, where they ultimately fell to Indiana in six games. Meanwhile, the Pacers (47-35), sporting an impressive 30-15 home record (including a perfect 4-0 in the playoffs), haven’t tasted the Eastern Conference finals since 2013-2014 when they were ousted by Miami in six games. The Knicks’ forward OG Anunoby has been ruled out due to a nagging hamstring injury.
The opening tip at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. The Pacers enter as 5.5-point favorites according to the latest Knicks vs. Pacers odds from the SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points stands at 218.5. Before locking in any Pacers vs. Knicks picks, consult the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
This advanced model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, and has delivered staggering profits of over $10,000 for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model entered the conference semifinals of the 2024 NBA playoffs on a scorching 94-61 run on all top-rated NBA selections this season, raking in more than $2,800 in profits. Any savvy bettor following the model has witnessed substantial winnings.
Now, the model has dissected the Knicks vs. Pacers matchup and unveiled its picks and NBA playoff predictions. Visit SportsLine now to see the model’s selections. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Pacers vs. Knicks:
- Knicks vs. Pacers spread: Indiana -5.5
- Knicks vs. Pacers over/under: 218.5 points
- Knicks vs. Pacers money line: New York +185, Indiana -222
- NYK: The Knicks have hit the money line in 54 of their last 85 games (+19.40 units)
- IND: The Pacers have hit the fourth quarter game total under in 44 of their last 65 games (+19.80 units)
- Knicks vs. Pacers picks: See expert predictions at SportsLine
Why the Pacers can cover
Power forward Pascal Siakam has been a force, delivering 26 points and seven rebounds in the Game 3 triumph over New York. He has eclipsed the 20-point mark in three postseason outings this year, including explosive performances of 36 and 37 points in Games 1 and 2 against Milwaukee in the opening round. Through nine playoff starts, Siakam is averaging an impressive 21.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 36.8 minutes of action.
Despite being listed as questionable with ankle and back issues, the dynamic point guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to suit up. He has been nothing short of sensational in the previous two games, erupting for 35 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in Game 3, while adding a 34-point, nine-assist, six-rebound, and three-steal masterpiece in the Game 2 loss. Over nine postseason starts, Haliburton is averaging 19 points, 8.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 36.3 minutes per contest. See which team to back here.
Why the Knicks can cover
Point guard Jalen Brunson has been virtually unstoppable this postseason, pouring in 22 or more points in each game, including a playoff-high 47 in Game 4 of their first-round series against Philadelphia. He has tallied 40 or more points on four occasions in the playoffs and has registered three double-doubles. In Friday’s setback at Indiana, he scored 26 points and dished out six assists. Through nine starts this postseason, Brunson is averaging a remarkable 34.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 41.9 minutes per game.
Shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, scoring 20 or more points in each of the last four contests. In Friday’s loss, he exploded for 35 points, complemented by three rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal. He contributed 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists in the Game 2 victory on Wednesday. Over nine playoff starts, DiVincenzo is averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 35.9 minutes.
