The Knicks have upgraded Hart and Anunoby to questionable but expect both to play in this critical game. Those two playing would give the edge to the Knicks, and also having home court helps them with the electric home crowd behind them . The Pacers are the healthier team but Haliburton’s performance has been questionable in most of the playoff series and he really needs to step up in this road spot for his team, as well as Siakam who doesn’t play as well on the road. The Knicks will have to muck up this game and slow the pace right down if they want to have a chance to win this game and make it a half court type game. Brunson will have a monster game again and carry the brunt of the work. They will win the rebound battle and they will shoot better at the free throw line. Even though the injuries are piling up for the Knicks, they have shown a tremendous amount of resilience and “don’t quit” attitude. This momentum alone, at home should carry them in this game. The Knicks are 6-0 straight up at home in the playoffs and usually win by 7 plus points at home. If the Pacers win on the road, they usually win by 1 point. East conference favorites in the playoffs are 24-9 straight up and 20-13 against the spread. This should be a close battle but expect the Knicks to pull away in the fourth quarter and put a sizable margin between them and the Pacers to win and cover this game.

Best bet: lay the points with the Knicks.