New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers: Prediction & Preview - May 17 | Game 6, 2024 NBA Playoffs

The New York Knicks visit the Indiana Pacers for the highly anticipated Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Pacers trail the Knicks 3-2 in their best-of-seven series ahead of Friday's matchup.

The intensity of the fifth game between the York Knicks and the Pacers was palpable, marked by a chippy atmosphere that saw five technical fouls handed out in New York's commanding 121-91 victory. As the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for game six, the stakes couldn't be higher for the Pacers, facing elimination, with their season hanging in the balance.

The upcoming clash promises to be another fierce battle. Should the Knicks emerge victorious once more, they will advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000.

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New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers prediction, preview, betting tips and starting lineups

The highly anticipated Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks will be aired nationally on ESPN, including radio broadcasts available on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM.

The game will also be available for live streaming on Fubo TV and NBA League Pass, which gives viewers access to NBA TV with a week's long free trial.

Spread: Knicks +6.5 vs. Pacers -6

Moneyline: Knicks +210 vs. Pacers -238

Total over and under: Knicks O 215.5 vs. Pacers U 215.5

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Game preview

Game four dealt the Knicks a blow, but they refused to stay down. In game five, they responded with resilience. One significant adjustment was the inclusion of Miles McBride in the starting lineup, which, despite making New York smaller, notably bolstered their spacing and defensive prowess.

Defensively, it was the cornerstone of their victory, as they held the Pacers to a season-low 91 points. This defensive tenacity was evident in their dominance on the boards, with New York, boasting the NBA's best rebounding percentage in the regular season, tallying more defensive rebounds (33) than Indiana managed (29).

The offensive onslaught continued for the Knicks, led by the remarkable performance of Jalen Brunson. He erupted for a staggering 44 points and dished out seven assists, while attempting just seven free throws. That marked the second occasion in the series where Brunson surpassed the 40-point mark.

Indiana has maintained an impeccable record at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse this postseason, benefiting from the offensive firepower that has seen them surpass the 120-point mark in four out of five victories. However, in their most recent outing, Tyrese Haliburton's limited shot attempts, with only nine in total, proved insufficient for the team's success.

For Indiana to extend their playoff run, there's a pressing need for Haliburton to become more assertive offensively. Additionally, the team must address their turnover issues, having committed 18 turnovers in game five.

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New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers starting lineups

The New York Knicks will start Jalen Brunson at PG. Miles McBride will get his second start in the series as the SG, Donte DiVincenzo at SF, Josh Hart at PF and Isaiah Hartenstein at center.

The Indiana Pacers will start Tyrese Haliburton at PG, Andrew Nembhard at SG, Aaron Nesmith at SF, Pascal Siakam at PF and Myles Turner at center.

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New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers betting tips

Jalen Brunson has averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. His point prop is set at over/under 34.5 and is favored to go under at -115.

Josh Hart has averaged 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists. His point prop is set at over/under 14.5 and is favored to go under at -108.

Tyrese Haliburton has averaged 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists. His point prop is set at over/under 20.5 and is favored to go under at -106.

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New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers predictions

The first three games of this series showcased intense competition, with neither team conceding much ground. Following a disappointing performance from each team, expectations are high for this elimination game to be a closely contested nature.

If Jalen Brunson maintains his scoring prowess, as he has consistently demonstrated throughout 2024, Indiana could struggle to contain him, potentially leading to defensive lapses.

Moreover, the New York Knicks' dominance on the offensive glass presents another challenge for the Pacers. Their inability to devise an effective strategy against the Knicks' revamped starting lineup was evident in the previous encounter, underscoring the urgency for the Indiana Pacers to adapt and counter the pressure they face.

Considering these factors, it's reasonable to favor New York to cover the spread, if not secure an outright victory.