Filip Tomic
Pressure is growing on the Knicks to respond following back-to-back losses to start their Eastern Conference Finals series vs Indiana. The Pacers will host Game 3 on Sunday, tip-off is set for 8 pm ET on TNT and my Same Game Parlay bet comes out at +385 odds. I was just one Chet Holmgren three pointer away from cashing last night’s SGP, so let’s hope luck is on our side this time around.
Get predictions on the side and total for all NBA Conference Finals games on our NBA Picks page but now let’s get into my Knicks vs Pacers Game 3 bet!
New York Knicks Money Line (+114)
OG Anunoby to Score 20+ Points (+220)
Same Game Parlay odds: +385
New York Knicks Money Line (+114)
For the first time this postseason the Knicks have dropped back-to-back games and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Friday’s defeat was actually New York’s 4th straight against Indiana in postseason play, dating back to their Eastern semi-final series last year. Game 3 is now pretty much a do-or-die scenario for Jalen Brunson and co., as no team ever has come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA postseason history. One glimmer of hope lies in the fact that Indiana dropped Game 3 in both Rounds 1 and 2 after they went up 2-0. The Knicks will also be encouraged by their record of 6 wins in 7 road games, they’ve actually had more success away from MSG than when playing there this postseason.
It’s hard to argue against the numbers Indiana is posting this postseason, but I’ve not yet given up on the Knicks. They need to get a split in these next two games and bring this series somehow back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5. That remarkable Game 3 win in the Pistons series is still fresh in my mind, along with the two comeback wins on the road in the Boston series. With the sense of urgency to win now being ten times bigger I expect New York to come out with a completely different mindset in Game 3. Give me the road warriors Knicks to cover here.
Read our full New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 3 Predictions
OG Anunoby to Score 20+ Points (+220)
I am still waiting on OG Anunoby to have his signature game in this series. Pascal Siakam just had his for the Pacers in Game 2, so why not back Anunoby to have one in Game 3 with the Knicks season seemingly on the line? He has been a steady offensive threat in the two games so far in the series scoring 16 apiece in each game. Game 2 saw his efficiency go significantly up, he took just 11 shots en route to his 16 points. I’m looking for his free throws to go up a bit here as the Knicks up their level of aggressiveness hoping to get back into the series. He’s scored 20 points in 4 of his last 10 games, I say that’s a pretty solid percentage for a bet that’s priced at +220 odds. A big part in landing this bet will be played by Jalen Brunson who has to take a step back offensively and get his teammates involved. In my opinion the Knicks are at their best when their 4 core starters each have 20+ points, that’s the recipe to win Game 3 so let’s hope Anunoby can deliver a performance like that on his behalf.
