NBA Playoff betting tips: New York Knicks look to ride the wave and level series with the Indiana Pacers
The Knicks head back to Indianapolis for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, looking to even the series at 2-2 after a gutsy comeback win in Game 3.
It’s been a tight, back-and-forth series so far, with road teams surprisingly winning all three games. New York will be hoping that trend continues on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Can the Eastern Conference’s surprise package defend homecourt to place one foot in the final, or will the wily Knicks muscle their way back into the series? Sports News Blitz’s NBA expert George Dempsey discusses.
New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers - Tuesday, May 27
New York trailed by 20 points and looked flat for most of the first half, but Karl-Anthony Towns exploded in the fourth. He poured in 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter and added 15 rebounds to complete the comeback.
The Pacers had controlled much of the game, leading by 13 at halftime. But their offence dried up late, and the Knicks closed on a 36-20 run to seal a 106-100 win.
Jalen Brunson finished with 23 points, below his recent scoring pace, but still made timely plays and ran the offence when it mattered. He’s averaging over 30 points in the postseason and hasn’t had back-to-back quiet games since round one.
The Knicks also got meaningful contributions elsewhere. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges combined for 31 points on solid shooting, while Josh Hart added his usual grit with eight points, 10 boards and four assists off the bench.
Pacers seek response, Knicks smell blood
For Indiana, the loss was as frustrating as it was familiar. They’re still leading the series 2-1, but they’ve now been beaten twice at home in the playoffs.
They shot just 5-of-24 from three and never regained control after the Knicks turned up the pressure in the fourth.
Tyrese Haliburton had 20 points, seven assists and three steals, but admitted postgame that he failed to maintain his usual pace when things got tight. That lack of tempo showed, and the Pacers have now failed to crack 110 points in two straight games.
They’ll like their chances at home, where they’ve gone 8-2 over their last 10 encounters. But that bizarre 0-4 record all-time in playoff games held during Indy 500 Race Day also hung in the background on Sunday.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have gone 24-17 on the road and now know they can win in this building. Towns continues to dominate inside. Brunson’s due for a bounce-back. And New York’s defence has clamped down late in back-to-back games.
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Game 4 verdict
Indiana still leads the playoffs in offensive efficiency, and a better shooting night would go a long way. But they haven’t put together a complete performance since Game 1, and New York looks more composed in the clutch.
The Knicks are 31-23-1 against the spread on equal rest and 22-15 ATS following a loss, both trends that point in their favour here. They’ve also covered the number in six of their last 10 and are already 2-0 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this series.
New York has rebounded better, defended the perimeter more aggressively, and looked far more in control in big moments.
From a matchup perspective, Towns has become the biggest problem for Indiana. He’s drawing double-teams, living at the rim, and cleaning up the glass.
If Brunson finds his usual rhythm early and the Knicks avoid another first-half hole, they’ll be in a great position to ride their defensive edge into the fourth quarter.
Indiana’s shooting regression is hard to ignore, and if their outside shots aren’t falling, it’s tough to see them creating enough separation.
The Knicks have more playoff experience, more composure, and arguably the two most impactful players in the series.
If this stays close, and it should, New York’s half-court execution gives them the edge again.
Suggested bet: New York Knicks +2 at 9/10
