Pacers vs. Knicks Predictions: 2 Player Props and Best Bet for Game 1

The Indiana Pacers have fought their way to the Eastern Conference Finals once again after some incredible come-from-behind postseason victories. They will face a team that has an entire city behind their back in the New York Knicks, who are chasing history after making their first ECF since 2000. As for Wednesday’s props, take two of the secondary guards to have big nights as playmaking scorers.

Best Bet: Indiana Pacers +4.5

The Indiana Pacers and Rick Carlisle find themselves in their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Last year, they should have won Game 1 and lost Games 3 and 4 by three points apiece. This year, they are ready for a New York team that lacks depth. 

Andrew Nembhard has turned himself into a premier playoff performer, while Bennedict Mathurin is the offensive spark plug they missed last postseason. Between these guards, as well as Aaron Nesmith playing like a star, Haliburton has the help around him to win this opener in the Garden. 

Indiana has the edge 7-6 over New York over the last two seasons, including playoffs. With that being said, this Game 1 should be a back-and-forth battle as the two teams feel each other out. 

Andrew Nembhard (IND) OVER 1.5 Three-Pointers Made

The secret is out. Andrew Nembhard is an absolute dog in the postseason. The Canadian assassin averages 14.8 PPG and 5.7 APG in the postseason on 54/49/81 shooting splits. These are baby Steve Nash numbers we are talking about. 

Nembhard has a 16-11 playoff record with Indy while hitting this prop in six of ten games this postseason and in three of four games against Boston in last year’s ECF. The big stage is set, and with the Knicks focused on Haliburton and the other Pacers, Nembhard could have one of those big sneaky games. 

He dropped 17 points against Milwaukee in their Game 1 win and 23 points against Cleveland in that unbelievable Game 1 victory. Back the clutch guard to come through again on Wednesday night.

Miles McBride (NYK) OVER 9.5 PRA

Another underrated guard has been making waves this postseason. Miles McBride is mostly known for his defense but has shot the ball extremely well this postseason. 

Deuce played over 22 MPG against Boston while averaging 8 PPG on 51/50/100 shooting splits. While that 3-point percentage should drop this series, Thibs seemed to love what he saw from his backup guard as he played him 32 minutes in their clinching Game 6 victory. McBride went 13/25/22/23/15 PRA in Games 3 through 7 in last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals against Indiana.