The Indiana Pacers head back home after taking the first two games in their series against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers won Game 1 in a thriller, in which Tyrese Haliburton sunk a buzzer-beater at the end of regulation to send it to OT. In Game 2, Pascal Siakam scored 39 points as the Pacers won another close one to take both games at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks will be looking to bounce back, as the team tries to avoid the dreaded 3-0 deficit.
Here are some of the bets that stand out for Sunday night's game.
Odds are as of publication time. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET
Jalen Brunson over 31.5 points (-110)
This prop has risen over the past few days, as Brunson's scoring prowess has proved prolific in this series. There is potential for the team to redistribute shots and touches throughout the rotation, but it's just as likely that a team without much dynamic creation continues to lean on its most gifted creator. As for the Pacers, they haven't been able to dictate where Brunson gets his shots through two-plus games of competition. With an Iversonian usage rate and the ability to get to his spots on demand, Brunson remains the offensive engine of New York.
Mitchell Robinson to record double-double (+450)
Rumors of a bigger role for Robinson are growing as this pivotal third game approaches. The Pacers are not productive on offense when Robinson is defending ball screens, but the Knicks' offense and spacing can also suffer with the big rim-running center. If the staff does elevate Robinson's role, his potential to score on lobs and clean up the glass on both ends creates interest in this long shot prop. With the Knicks facing a must-win game, it's possible a larger and more rewarding role emerges for Robinson.
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks over 223.5 points (-110)
The Pacers love them some pace, while the Knicks are struggling to keep up. It did require overtime in Game 2 to approach today's total, but there's also an expectation the Pacers have more leverage in creating and curating the tempo for this home game. A larger role for Robinson doesn't necessarily equate to a slower or more limited offense for New York if added possessions emerge via defense and offensive rebounding.
Projections and Injury Reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers
8 p.m. ET
Line: Knicks 1.5 (-105) | Pacers -1.5 (-115)
Money line: Knicks +115 | Pacers -135
Total: 223.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
BPI Projection: Pacers by 2.9, straight up 60%, 224.4 total points.
Injury Report:
Knicks: None reported
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson, (OFS - Achilles)