New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 6 Odds, and Picks (May 17)

• The Knicks completed a crucial bounce-back on Tuesday, winning 121-91.
• Indiana will aim to improve to 3-0 at home in this series, and force Game 7.
• New York now holds a 4-4 record against the Pacers on the season as a whole.

The NBA Playoffs are reaching the end of the 2nd round as the conference finals approach. This game features a rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks bounced back in Game 5, and will aim to close the series out in Indiana.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

After losing by 32 points in Game 4 and allowing the series to be tied up 2-2, the Knicks were written off by many. The overall series odds flipped in the favor of Indiana, and the Knicks appeared to be on the ropes. The injury to OG Anunoby was a major factor in that. While Anonoby remains out, Jalen Brunson once again bounced back from a slow showing due to an injury his own. He exploded for 44 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds in Game 5, leading New York to victory.

Indiana fell behind 3-2 after a 30-point defeat on Tuesday, but they are far from out of it. The Pacers dominated the Knicks at home in Games 3 and 4. A similar result back at home in Game 6 would force a Game 7 where anything could happen, especially at Madison Square Garden. Indiana’s success has been heavily tied to Tyrese Haliburton, who had his worst performance since Game 1 in the loss in Game 5. He scored just 13 points in 34 minutes played. He’s aiming to get back on track on Friday.

Prediction

The Knicks are the favorites to win this series as of now, but Indiana is still expected to win Game 6 at home first. The opposite of that may be even more possible. While the Knicks could close the series out in Game 6, failing to do so may set them up for a loss in Game 7. New York has been much better at closing out playoff series on the road. I’m sticking with my original prediction of Pacers in 7, and will take them to win a close one in Game 6.

NBA Picks

• Pacers 119, Knicks 113 (IND -250)