Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers is set for Friday night. New York has taken a 2-0 series lead in this matchup, but the action is now going to be shifting to Indianapolis.
The Knicks might have a 2-0 lead in this series, but they have not been able to take control of either game until the final few minutes. New York must now prove that they can win on the road, and that was something that they got done during the First Round.
The Pacers were able to upset the Milwaukee Bucks in Round 1 of the Playoffs, and they had some momentum before this matchup. Indiana has been able to play the Knicks close in this series, and being at home should give them a boost.
Indiana comes into Game 3 as a big 7.5-point betting favorite, and the over/under line is set at 222.5 total points.
Knicks Finding Offense
The New York Knicks were not an explosive team this season, but they have found a way to be one of the best offensive teams in the postseason. New York has now scored at least 118 points in three straight games, and they have confidence and momentum on that end of the floor.
Jalen Brunson has been the biggest star on offense for the Knicks as he is leading the way with over 35 points per game in the playoffs. The rest of the team has hit enough shots to support their star, and that will be a key in this game.
New York continues to be a team that can get stops when needed, and that defense has set the tone throughout the second half of each of the first two games.
Pacers Must Defend
If the Indiana Pacers are going to find a way to get back in this series then they will need to get better on the defensive end of the floor. Indiana can’t keep allowing the Knicks to score over 120 points as they just can’t outscore every opponent.
Scoring points have never been a problem for this team as they led the league in scoring during the regular season. Indiana will be looking to have a big night on offense in this game, and Tyrese Haliburton is back to making shots.
The Pacers are going to need their fans to give them a boost on defense as that might be the only way that they can stop the Knicks.
Pacers Pick Up Big Win
New York has been able to come up with some big plays late in each of the first two games, and that will give them confidence in this matchup. Playing on the road is much harder than playing at home, and the Knicks are also dealing with some injury concerns.
The Pacers have been a great team on their home floor all season long, and they will be looking to go on a big run in this game. Indiana simply can’t afford to give away a game on their home floor, and this team will be locked in to get the job done.
Bet the Indiana Pacers -7.5 as they are going to take complete control of the action in Game 3 to climb back into the series.
