What’s old is new again, as the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks kick off the Eastern Conference Finals Wednesday night from MSG.
We’ve got you covered with our favorite Pacers vs Knicks player props picks for Game 1.
Not surprisingly, our free NBA picks start with the biggest star on the floor, Jalen Brunson.
NBA Player Prop Picks for May 21
Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 points (-115 at Bet365)
It’s been quite a run for Brunson en route to the East Finals, as he’s averaged 28.8 points on 44% shooting, including an above-average 36.3% from downtown.
The Celtics slowed him, for sure, as they threw out a list of A+ defenders to make things difficult.
The proof was in the numbers: Brunson was down almost five points per game from his 31.5 ppg output vs the Pistons.
While Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are tough defenders, Brunson hasn’t been slowed by the Pacers much since joining New York.
In eight career games in the regular season, he’s scored at least 29 points on five occasions, missing another by a single point, and another by a triple.
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Andrew Nembhard Over 1.5 3-point makes (+110 at Bet365)
He’s been a quiet assassin, but if you’ve been watching their games, you know it’s not a good idea to leave Andrew Nembhard open.
The Pacers’ starting guard, alongside Tyrese Haliburton, has shot 50% from 3-point range in both series against the Bucks and Cavaliers.
Surprising to see him with plus odds on a 1.5 make line: the guy has hit at least two triples in six of 10 games in these playoffs, and he’s failed to connect from downtown just twice.
With the way the Pacers move the ball and find an open man, Nembhard should get a few clean looks to nail this prop.
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 11.5 rebounds (-105 at Bet365)
Karl-Anthony Towns was a beast against Boston, finishing that series averaging 19.8 points and 12.7 boards.
He went over his 11.5 rebounding line set for Wednesday four times in six games, missing the Over one more time by a single board.
KAT also averaged 12 boards a game during three regular season games against the Pacers.
But the Pacers are the top defensive rebounding team in these playoffs (though they pull the fewest total rebounds of any team still standing).
I also think Mitchell Robinson – who missed all three regular season matchups – will play a more prominent role against the Pacers frontcourt of Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin.
