May 19, 2024 — 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 New York Knicks squaring off against the Indiana Pacers.
The series has been very intense, with the home team winning every game thus far. But since the Knicks have the higher seed, Game 7 will be played on their home court, a venue in which they have been decisively better against the Pacers.
In a winner-take-all Game 7, which player props should you watch in this conference semifinal matchup?
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers Preview
Starting with the road team first. Jalen Brunson is the player to watch for the Knicks. He currently has -105 odds of scoring more than 35.5 points and -115 odds of finishing with less than 35.5 points (via DraftKings)
Here is a look at how his numbers stack up against the projected points total for this matchup.
- During the regular season and playoffs, he is averaging 29.4 points per game in 89 appearances.
- Brunson has played against the Indiana Pacers nine times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he averaged 33.1 points per contest.
- During the team’s postseason run, he is averaging 33.7 points per outing.
- Brunson has suited up against Eastern Conference teams 62 times this season. In those contests, he is averaging 29.6 points per outing.
- In 24 matchups against teams in the Central Division, the Knicks point guard averages 32.6 points per game.
- Over his last 10 outings, Brunson has averaged 35.8 points and 7.5 assists per contest, exceeding the points total for this matchup six times during that stretch.
Prediction: Jalen Brunson OVER 35.5 points
On the heels of his 25-point performance in Game 6, Pascal Siakam is the key player to watch for the Pacers. He currently has -115 odds of scoring more than 21.5 points and -105 odds of finishing with less than 21.5 points.
Does Siakam’s numbers favorably compare to the estimated points total for this matchup? Let’s examine the tale of the tape to find out.
- Siakam is averaging 21.6 points per contest during the regular season and playoffs.
- In 10 games against the Knicks this season, Siakam has averaged 19.8 points per contest.
- During the postseason, he is averaging 21.2 points per outing.
- Siakam has played against Eastern Conference teams 60 times this season (including the playoffs). In those contests, he has averaged 22.0 points per outing.
- In 26 matchups against Atlantic Division opponents, the Pacers forward averages 20.6 points per game.
- Over his last 10 outings, Siakam has averaged 18.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest while exceeding the points total for this matchup three times during that stretch.
Prediction: Pascal Siakam OVER 21.5 points
James Tillman’s Knicks vs. Pacers Picks
- Player Prop Bet #1: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) OVER 35.5 points
- Player Prop Bet #2: Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers) OVER 21.5 points
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