What: Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals
When: Thursday, 8:00 pm ET, TNT
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
Odds: Knicks -4.5, Over/Under 222.5
Pacers vs. Knicks head-to-head
2-1 Knicks during the regular season, 3-1 Pacers in the series
October 25 @ New York: Knicks 123-98
November 10 @ Indiana: Pacers 132-121
February 11 @ Indiana: Knicks 128-115
Game 1 @ New York: Pacers 138-135 (OT)
Game 2 @ New York: Pacers 114-109
Game 3 @ Indiana: Knicks 106-100
Game 4 @ Indiana: Pacers 130-121
Pacers vs. Knicks preview
Although the series has been competitive and is not over by any means, it’s safe to say that Indiana is the superior side. The Pacers’ incredible comeback in Game 1 may have seemed like a fluke at the time, but fast forward three more games and they still look like the better–and definitely more clutch–team. Yes, they squandered a 20-point lead of their own at home in Game 3; but that’s the only game they have lost. In other words, this could have and probably should have been a sweep.
Indiana made no such mistake at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 4, restoring order with a 130-121 win. Momentum is back on the Pacers’ side, so 4.5 points seem like too many to give to such an offensive juggernaut. The Pacers boast five players who are averaging at least 13.2 points per game during the playoffs. Home-court advantage is surely the only reason why the Knicks are favored, but what has home-court advantage been? The Pacers are 6-1 on the road in these playoffs, including a shocking 3-0 such mark in round one against Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Knicks are a horrendous 3-5 at Madison Square Garden in the playoffs. Let’s back the visitors to cover, and they also have great value on the money line.
Pick: Pacers +4.5
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