2023 NBA May 9 Betting Predictions
Thursday's NBA action features Game 2 of the series between the Knicks and Pacers at Madison Square Garden. New York took a close Game 1 a few days ago so the Pacers will be desperate to square the series before heading home for Game 3.
Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks (Knicks 1-0)
The Pacers have been lighting up the scoreboard all season, boasting the highest scoring average in the NBA at 123.3 points per game. In the playoffs, they're still putting up solid numbers, averaging 113.6 points per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and hitting 34.8% of their shots from beyond the arc. With seven players averaging double digits in points, Pascal Siakam leads the pack with 21.9 points per game, while Tyrese Haliburton is dishing out assists like nobody's business, ranking third in the playoffs with 9.1 assists per game after leading the league in the regular season.
When the Pacers find their offensive rhythm, they're a force to be reckoned with. However, their defence has been shaky, allowing 120.2 points per game in the regular season, ranking third worst in the league. They've struggled to stop opponents, giving up 49.6% shooting from the field. In the playoffs, their defence hasn't improved much, conceding 111.7 points per game, with opponents shooting 48.2% from the field and 36.8% from downtown. While T.J. McConnell and Haliburton lead in steals, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith are the top shot-blockers.
The Knicks were the second-best defensive team in the NBA this season behind only the Timberwolves. They allowed 108.2 points per game and then they were 15th in field goal percentage defence at 47% and 17th against the three-point shot, allowing 36.5% from behind the arc. In the postseason, they are allowing 106.8 points per game, 44.6% from the field, and then 36.8% from behind the arc. OG Anunoby leads the way in steals at 1.1 per game this series, but two other Knicks are averaging at least one steal per game. Six Knicks are averaging at least one block per game, with Precious Achiuwa leading the way at 1.7 per game. When it comes to rebounding, a guard, Josh Hart, is leading the way at 12.4 per game during the playoffs.
The Knicks have been a defensive powerhouse this season, ranking second in the league behind only the Timberwolves. They've allowed an average of 108.2 points per game and held opponents to 47% shooting from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, they've maintained their defensive prowess, giving up just 106.8 points per game while limiting opponents to 44.6% shooting overall and 36.8% from three-point range. OG Anunoby leads the team in steals with 1.1 per game, while several other Knicks are also making an impact on the defensive end. Precious Achiuwa leads the team in blocks with 1.7 per game, showcasing their strong presence in the paint.
Surprisingly, guard Josh Hart leads the team in rebounding with an impressive 12.4 boards per game during the playoffs. On the offensive side, the Knicks have had their ups and downs, ranking 19th in scoring offence with 112.8 points per game and shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range. Despite these challenges, five Knicks players are averaging double digits in points, with Jalen Brunson leading the way with an impressive 36.6 points per game. Brunson also tops the team in assists with 8.6 per game, showing his importance as the main playmaker in the backcourt.
It was a tough loss for the Pacers in Game 1 as they almost pulled off the upset. I don't think much will change in Game 2 so I like the Pacers to cover. They're now 4-1 ATS in their last 5 against the Knicks and 4-2 ATS overall in their last 6 games.
Stadium Record
New York are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Indiana has lost 6 of their last 8 at MSG.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Knicks are 6-4.
Best Bet
Same Game Multi
Indiana Pacers +4.5, Over 219.5 pts, Josh Hart 10+ Rebounds = $4.20
