New York Knicks host Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The second-seed Knicks are favorites on the money line, but the sixth-seeded Pacers, who upset the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, are not to be underestimated. The Knicks look to contain the Pacers' potent bench, which played a starring role in their first-round elimination of the Bucks.
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Basketball: 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Game 1
Where to Watch: TNT
Venue: Madison Square Garden, NY
Date: 07.05.2024 02:30
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks booked their place in the conference semis with a 4-2 series victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jalen Brunson was the series star, scoring over 40 points per game in the last three games, including a 41-point, 12-assist performance in the series clincher. The Knicks' defense also stepped up, shutting down Tobias Harris and forcing Joel Embiid into costly turnovers in the final game.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers pulled off a 4-2 upset while eliminating the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. Although Damian Lillard struggled with an injury throughout the series, the Pacers' bench proved to be the difference. Obi Toppin, acquired from the Knicks in a trade, scored a career-high 21 points and eight rebounds, while T.J. McConnell added 20 points, nine assists, and four steals. The Pacers dominated the paint and capitalized on Milwaukee's turnovers, with their bench outscoring the Bucks' bench 50-10 in the series decider.
Betting Odds
The Indiana Pacers are 2.15 underdogs on Bet365, and the New York Knicks have 1.90 odds for the (-6.0) spread. Over 215.5 is priced at 1.72 on Betway, which lists the under for 1.86. Betting no to over 100.5 in each half is 1.85 on 1XBET, which prices Indiana Pacers to win the race to 8 points at 2.1 odds. Read more here.
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