Tonight's only game on the NBA playoff schedule is Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks.
Game 1 was a wild brawl, with the Pacers controlling most of the game. The fast pace, high scores, and most importantly the play of the bench all favored Indiana. And the controversial ending should make the Pacers desperate to get out of there and steal Game 2.
Let's dig into this matchup and find some interesting angles where tonight's players and teams will exceed expectations.
Tyrese Haliburton 16.5 points or more (-115): Haliburton underperformed in Game 1, scoring just six points on 2-of-6 shooting and committing three critical turnovers in the remaining time. But beyond the numbers, he was clearly not aggressive, missed several shot opportunities and looked indecisive. Haliburton has been suffering from lingering back spasms, but he reportedly stated his determination multiple times Tuesday to play better in Game 2. In the first round, Haliburton bounced back from a slow scoring start (10.5 points). His PPG through Games 1 and 2), averaged 18.8 PPG in Games 3-6. I hope Haliburton comes out tonight and puts some great numbers on the board.
TJ McConnell 10.5 points or more (-115): Haliburton needs to bounce back, but McConnell just needs to keep doing what he's been doing. He came off the bench in the past two games and was a big hit for the Pacers. He had 20 points and nine assists in 23 minutes in a close game against the Bucks, followed by 18 points in 22 minutes in Game 1 against the Knicks. McConnell brought energy leading a second unit that changed the course of both games. And he brings defensive intensity, recording seven steals in the last two games and holding Jalen Brunson to just 2-of-9 shooting in one-on-one defense. McConnell should play a big role again tonight and will likely outperform this line.
Josh Hart, over 12.5 rebounds (-125): Hart had a great all-around performance in Game 1, scoring 24 points with eight assists, three boards, and one blocked shot. But it further embellishes his most consistent contribution: breaking glass. Hart grabbed 13 rebounds in Game 1, marking the fifth time in seven playoff games he has grabbed at least 13 boards. With the official news that center Mitchell Robinson will be out for the foreseeable future, I expect Hurts to continue his onslaught on the glass.
Knicks money line (-175): The Knicks had been losing until a furious comeback in the second half, winning Game 1 by four points. It was a high-scoring game played in the rhythm of the Pacers. The same thing could happen again against a Knicks team with the Pacers' second unit controlling the game and only a seven-man rotation, which is why I give them 4.5 points against the spread. This is the reason why I am not satisfied. That being said, I believe the Knicks are definitely the better team. The Pacers don't have an answer for Brunson. The Knicks are playing at home, and Brunson's role has shown him a knack for winning late-game close games. Closer. According to BPI, he has a 60.8% chance of the Knicks winning the game, and he has an expected margin of 3.3 points.
Prediction and injury reporting
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury tally by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
East Semifinals – Game 2
8pm, Madison Square Garden, New York
Recording (spread prevention)
Pacers: 47-35 (44-36-2)
Knicks: 50-32 (44-37-1)
line: Knicks (-4.5) total: 218.5
Money line: Pacers (+165), Knicks (-195)
BPI prediction: The Knicks scored 3.3 points, 61% straight, and 218.0 total points.
Reporting an injury:
Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (GTD – Back); Benedict Mathurin (OUT – Shoulder)
Knicks: Bojan Bogdanovic (OUT – Foot); Duane Washington Jr. (OUT – Knee); Julius Randle (OUT – Shoulder); Mitchell Robinson, (OUT – Ankle)