The Knicks are one step closer to a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, but first they���ll have to win on the road against a disgruntled Pacers team coming off a 30-point loss in Game 5.
Road teams are 0-5 straight up in this series.
However, after the first two games went over the total, the Knicks look like they’re starting to dictate the tempo, as the Under is now on a 3-0 run.
The MSG crowd inspired the Knicks in Game 5, and they got an MVP-worthy performance from Jalen Brunson, who recorded his fifth 40-point game in this postseason.
Brunson needed to be great, especially with OG Anunoby missing his third straight game.
With their suffocating defense and relentless pursuit on the glass, the Knicks have a puncher’s chance even in a hostile environment on the road.
However, we should see a response and better effort from the Pacers in front of their home crowd, at least in the first half.
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According to Action Labs’ database, playoff teams coming off a loss of 30 or more points are 36-25-2 (59 percent) against the first-half spread.
And if we adjust our parameters to include teams laying two or more first-half points, their record improves to 6-1-1 (85.7 percent).
The play: Pacers first half -2.5 (-125, BetMGM).