There are three NBA matches currently scheduled for this weekend, with potential for a fourth depending on results, as the playoffs near the Conference Final stage.
The New York Knicks head to Indiana on Saturday morning to take on the Pacers with hopes of wrapping up their series in Game 6, with the Dallas Mavericks in the same boat when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday morning.
The Denver Nuggets will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a decisive Game 7 on Sunday, but with the time of that fixture not decided yet as it is dependent on the Knicks’ result, our tips focus on the two aforementioned ties.
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- Indianca Pacers -6.5 handicap @ 9/10
- T J McConnell over 4.5 assists @ 4/5
- Bet Builder: Dallas Mavericks to win, Luka Doncic over 28.5 points, over 9.5 assists & over 9.5 rebounds @ 7/1
Indiana Pacers -6.5 handicap @ 9/10
While the Knicks have impressed in this series, they struggled on their two trips to Indiana in games three and four and they look a significantly worse side when not receiving a boost from the cauldron-like Madison Square Garden atmosphere.
New York were 27-14 at MSG in the regular season and 23-18 away from their home arena, so it is little surprise to see they have struggled on the road in this series, particularly when losing by 32 points in Game 4.
OG Anunoby – the Knicks’ best defender – is still injured and his lack of presence will be felt once more in Indiana, as the Pacers are fancied to land another convincing victory and force a Game 7.
With New York’s roster already depleted, if they begin to fall behind early it would be no surprise to see Tom Thibodeau throw in the towel and rest his key men for the crucial Game 7, so back Indiana to cruise to victory.
T J McConnell over 4.5 assists @ 4/5
Jalen Brunson has undoubtedly been the star of this series so far, but it could be a guard for the home side who enjoys a big performance in this clash.
T J McConnell is one of the best backup point guards in the NBA and he is proving his worth as the underperforming Tyrese Haliburton’s understudy in this series, especially in the last two games.
He managed five assists in the Pacers’ blowout loss in Game 5 and registered a huge 10 in their victory in the previous game.
If Indiana build up an early lead he may get even more minutes than usual, so with that context and the fact he has notched over 4.5 assists in eight of his last 10 regular-season meetings with the Knicks, he rates a solid bet to hit his line.
Bet Builder: Dallas Mavericks to win, Luka Doncic over 28.5 points, over 9.5 assists & over 9.5 rebounds @ 7/1
The Mavericks landed a big win in OKC in midweek to put the Thunder on the brink of elimination, and they can finish the job in Dallas this weekend.
Jason Kidd’s side landed a 12-point victory in Game 5 and with their potential Western Conference Final rivals the Nuggets and Timberwolves forced into a Game-7 decider, the Mavericks will be motivated to get the job done and have an extra day to recover before any potential tie.
Luka Doncic was, as usually is the case, the star in Game 5, recording a 31-point triple-double to lead Dallas to victory, and one of the league’s brightest stars could repeat the feat to fire the Mavs into the Western Conference Final.
The Slovenian star has managed more than 10 rebounds in his last four games, at least 10 assists in his last two and 29 or more points in six of his 11 playoff matches this season.
Back Doncic to enjoy another huge night to fire the Mavericks to victory and eliminate the Thunder in the process.
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