The first game of the Eastern Conference Finals has arrived with the Knicks and Pacers set to square things off in a 1990s throwback. Ryan Cook shares his best play in our Thursday Daily NBA Tips!
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers
10:00am, Madison Square Garden
The Pacers find themselves +4.5 underdogs heading into the Garden. These two sides are long-time rivals from way back, and we should be treated to a fast-paced, quality series if the stats are anything to go by. Indiana has led the league in pace all season, but New York has nearly matched them during the playoffs ranking third overall. Shooting-wise, there hasn’t been a more efficient team from the field than Rick Carlisle’s side. The Pacers have shot over 58% through the first two rounds, one of the highest marks in NBA playoff history. Elsewhere, I think the Pacers have the depth to get this thing done. That was their issue last year when they were swept against the Celtics, but so far 10 players for Indiana have averaged a minimum of 19 minutes. The Garden will be rocking for Game 1, but I think this mature Pacers team is capable of handling the moment.
Tip: Pacers to Cover (+4.5)