Indy +4.5(2x)
Spinkle alternate ML -3.5 +217(.5x)
Indy poses a definite threat to the Knicks. Pacers defensive efficiency has increased over 6 points from regular season to playoffs. Rank 2nd to OKC in the playoffs with teams left. Granted not much of a sample size, but against the Cavs, defensive pressure including full court pressure is what broke the Cavs to allow a DD comeback on a few occasions during the series. Indy is forcing more turnovers, highest rate with teams left in the playoffs.
The Knicks are plugging along and have played consistent defense through out the season and during the playoffs. As long as Hart and Anunoby are 100%, with M. Robinson off the bench, NY is at its best defensively.
Offensively, Pacers move the ball around as well as any team in the playoffs. Haliburton, once the most overated player this season, is now proving he is not. All roads go through Brunson approach has been the Knicks bread and butter all season.
Key for Pacers to win today and possibly the series:
*Keep playing suffocating defense with energy focusing on defensive matchups keeping Brunson out of the lane to make him a screen jumpshooter and/or passer. Indy needs to force NY to a jumpshooting 3pt team.
*Pacers need to attack the lane and get KAT in foul trouble. Good things happen when a team leads the game with points in the paint.
*Pacers defense leads to good offense, with getting baskets in turnover transition scenarios. Keep the pace out of the half court game.
*Starting lineup minutes per game is the lowest amongst teams left by utilizing the bench most of any NBA team left next to OKC. Like OKC, Indy is able to use a 10 player rotation to keep matchups and or rest a priority.
Carlisle a championship coach and his adjustments emphasizing defense has made this team a contender. Thibbs helped win a championship with over rated Rivers, and defensive coaching mentality.
These games should be leaning UNDERS at NY and OVERS at Indy.
BOL today ALL
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