As we delve further into the NBA Playoffs, there is only one contest on the slate tonight. The Knicks and Pacers are set to embark on a battle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse where Indiana faces a win or Cancun scenario.
Neither team has lost on their home floor in this series, adding a small advantage to the Pacers on top of New York dealing with a variety of injuries, subsequently causing limitations in depth.
Now, without any further preamble, let's jump right into some of our favorite picks for 5/17!
Friday's Top NBA Underdog Pick 'Em Picks
TJ McConnell More Than 18.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists
The Indiana guard has thrived in the 2024 playoffs, providing valuable production across the board whether that entails shot-making, pressured defense or creating opportunities for teammates to score.
For the series, McConnell is averaging 11.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. This includes two games where he was only on the court for 19 minutes. The three games where the minutes climbed to over 20, averages jump to 14.3/3.0/8.3.
In a must win situation, it's extremely difficult to imagine Indiana chooses to cut minutes on someone who's shown efficiency in both scoring and defending.
Pascal Siakim Fewer Than 33.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists
Apparently, there is expectation for Siakim to go all the way off tonight, though history seems to create an argument for a different outcome in this game.
On only two occasions in this playoffs the Indiana forward managed to eclipse this total. In this series, the averages stand at 19.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 points.
That's a little too far off for us even with the consideration in importance of the contest.
Indiana will certainly need production from one of their top stars, though it's more than likely that they choose an approach focusing on a group effort being more beneficial in hopes of staving off elimination.
Miles McBride More Than 18.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists
With OG Anynoby sidelined dealing with a hamstring injury, the Knicks have called the number of McBride, and the result has been nothing short of fantastic.
New York has desperately needed a spark of scoring production to aid Jalen Brunson. An ability to knock down open three-pointers, and attack the basket helped the Knicks take a 3-2 lead in the last game.
Since being inserted into the starting lineup, the New York sharp-shooter is averaging 14.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. In each of those games, his points have increased.
Josh Hart More Than 31.5 Points Rebounds Assists
Hart deserves some type of bonus for the amount of minutes played in the 2024 playoffs. In the past two contests, he has played all 48 minutes. Being able to give that type of energy and effort after playing a full season is something to surely marvel at.
The time is being magnificently spent producing in almost every way possible. If you take away game four, where the Knicks were blown out of the arena by 32 points, the averages on the series stand at 17.7 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
We expect another heavy dose of minutes tonight which has resulted in surpassing this total in four out of the last five contests.
Isaiah Hartenstein Fewer Than 8.5 Points
In the first two games of the series, the New York center made his presence felt offensively averaging for 13.5 points. Since then those numbers have dropped severely (5.6) which may or may not coincide with Miles McBride joining the starting lineup.
This addition has resulted in a faster tempo for the team which could also be affecting scoring efficiency. Not only has the pace increased, injuries to the front-court has meant way more minutes on the floor for this series than in the regular season ( 25-33).
The Knicks aren't flush with scoring options, so the decline in points is somewhat troublesome. Though, against the Pacers Hartenstein has provided tremendous value on the boards, as well as a playmaker who is finding teammates for open looks following offensive rebounds.
If the last three games are any indication, his role has shifted, with the team focusing on moving the ball quickly which doesn't always bold well for players that are seven-feet tall, and have to keep up with the constant running up-and-down the court.
Enjoy the games tonight and have a great weekend!
