The series is back in Indiana for Game 6, and home teams have won all games. Can the Pacers extend it to Game 7?
Catch the game this Saturday, May 18th, at 8:30 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: New York Knicks (3-2)
Projected starting five:
- Jalen Brunson
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Josh Hart
- OG Anunoby (questionable) / Precious Achiuwa
- Isiah Hartenstein
Facing pressure and exhaustion in Game5, the gritty Knicks showed a ton of fight once again, and it’s what makes them loved by the insanely fanatic NY fanbase. They dominated the momentous battle, 121-91, to make this Indiana visit a potential series-clincher.
Jalen Brunson was brilliant once more, pouring in 44 points. It’s his fifth game scoring 40 or more in the postseason, putting him at a league-leading 33.9 points per game in the playoffs. As always, he’s one to watch out for. He has been bodying up defenders and getting to his sweet spots, possession after possession.
Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart will continue having their Villanova teammate’s back, mainnly as his top two scoring support. They have 20.6 and 14.6 PPG in the series, with the latter also adding 12.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 1.8 SPG.
While all of that is good, note that the Knicks have lost their last two trips in Indy. They finished Game 3 poorly and were steamrolled in Game 4. We’ll see if that makes them extra hyped or erratic.
HOME: Indiana Pacers (2-3)
Projected starting five:
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Andrew Nembhard
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
The Pacers couldn’t capitalize on their series-tying wins at home. They couldn’t match the Knicks’ energy in Game 5, and seemingly waved the white flag by the second half, quite uncharacteristic for a team that built its identity on pushing the pace every chance they get.
Team All-Star Tyrese Haliburton stood out from the struggle as he only took nine shots, going 5-of-9 for 13 points and five assists. Far from his 34, 35, and 20-point output over the three previous games. He has to be better. If he goes for his usual 20 and 10 type of numbers, they always play well collectively.
But, of course, other key guys like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner have to be more consistent as well, especially the former. The 30-year-old has 19.0 PPG in the series, and has alternated going 20-plus and below 20 in his last four outings. He ought to be more aggressive as he is the most experienced playoff performer and capable scorer in the team.
Defensively, whoever’s at Brunson simply needs to be more active. TJ McConnell and Aaron Nesmith have both done solid jobs recently, so we’ll see if they can do it again.
PICKS:
Spread: Pacers (-6.5)
Over/Under: Over (215.5)
