Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA playoff coverage here at Total Apex Sports. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Indiana Pacers squaring off against the New York Knicks
The Pacers have played well enough to win either of the first two games, but it is the Knicks who have a 2-0 lead in this series. Will the Knicks move one step closer to advancing to the conference finals, or will the Pacers get a much-needed win in Game 3?
With Indiana facing a must-win scenario heading into Game 3, which player props should you watch in this first-round matchup?
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Preview
Coming into Game 2, Jalen Brunson had scored 40 points in four straight games. Although that streak is over, following his team-high 29 points in Game 2, Brunson is the key player to watch for New York. He currently has -104 odds of scoring more than 35.5 points and -131 odds of finishing with less than 35.5 points (via BetMGM).
Here is a look at how his numbers stack up against the projected points total for this matchup.
- Brunson is averaging 29.4 points per contest during the regular season and playoffs.
- In five games against the Pacers this season, Brunson has averaged 35.8 points per contest.
- During the postseason, he is averaging 35.6 points per outing.
- Brunson has played against Eastern Conference teams 58 times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he is averaging 29.6 points per outing.
- In 20 matchups against teams in the Central Division, the All-Star guard is averaging 33.2 points per game.
- Over his last 10 outings, Brunson has averaged 35.5 points and 8.3 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup six times during that stretch.
Given these trends, going with the “over” for Brunson is a no-brainer, depending on the severity of his foot injury.
Prediction: Jalen Brunson OVER 35.5 points
Following his 34-point explosion in Game 2, Haliburton is the key player to watch for the home team. He currently has -108 odds of scoring more than 19.5 points and -112 odds of finishing with less than 19.5 points.
Do his numbers favorably compare to the estimated points total for this matchup? Let’s look at the tale of the tape to find out.
- During the regular season and playoffs, he is averaging 19.8 points per game across 77 appearances.
- Haliburton has suited up against the Knicks five times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he has averaged 19.8 points per game.
- During the postseason, he is averaging 17.0 points per outing.
- In 55 appearances against Eastern Conference teams this season, the fifth-year guard has averaged 20.8 points per outing.
- In 18 matchups against Central Division opponents, the Pacers’ All-Star guard is averaging 21.0 points per game.
- Over his last 10 games, Haliburton has averaged 16.7 points and 9.8 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup only twice during that stretch.
Prediction: Tyrese Haliburton OVER 19.5 points
James Tillman’s Pacers vs. Knicks Picks Player Prop Picks
- Player Prop Bet #1: Jalen Brunson (Knicks) OVER 35.5 points
- Player Prop Bet #2: Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) OVER 19.5 points
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