The pick — Knicks-Pacers OVER 216 total points (-110, FanDuel)
Sequels can be daunting.
Recapturing the magic of the original is a tough task that even the best artists struggle with. But I’m no artist, nor do I fear anything other than eating an airport burrito right before a flight.
So here I am, embarking on the sequel to my Pacers-Knicks total bet from Tuesday. For Friday’s Game 6 in Indianapolis, I’m hoping for a follow-up more reminiscent of “Shrek 2” than “Jaws 2.”
Despite losing the over 216.5 in Game 5, I still feel good about it. At one point in the second quarter, the live total was 230.5. We got some serious value. However, all it took was a Pacers second-half drought to ruin it. I ended up missing the over by five points in Indiana’s 121-91 loss to the Knicks in New York.
Let’s go back to that well — a well that still has the capacity to produce tasty water.
The Pacers are an incredible bounce-back team. After scoring only 91 points on Tuesday, I expect them to come roaring back offensively at home, where they’ve scored 111 and 121 points, respectively, in Games 3 and 4. Also, the Knicks defense hasn’t traveled well, holding the playoffs’ third-worst defensive rating on the road at 122.1.
With Indy not being a defensive juggernaut, New York should also score a hefty amount after seemingly finding its groove with a 121-point outburst.
Both teams are struggling defensively, and the Pacers are due for an offensive turnaround. That creates a perfect storm for a sequel on the level of “Toy Story 2” — a bookend to our story that sees us hitting the over.
NBA postseason record: 6-3, +2.42 units