The New York Knicks made a bold move before the season by trading Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. This trade has proven successful, as the Knicks are in the Eastern Conference finals for only the second time since 1975 and the first time as favorites since 1994. They are -155 favorites to advance to the NBA Finals at BetMGM.
The Indiana Pacers, appearing in the conference finals for the second consecutive year, are healthier than last season when they were swept by the Boston Celtics. With Tyrese Haliburton leading the team, the Pacers are not intimidated by playing at Madison Square Garden.
This series promises to be exciting, featuring two Eastern Conference rivals. Handicappers Michael Fiddle and Carl Sack shared their insights on the series and their best bets.
Fiddle believes the Knicks, despite a rest disadvantage, have neutralized it with four days off after closing their series in Game 6. His model projected the Knicks at -3.6 in Game 1, making Knicks -3.5 a good bet. He favors the Knicks at -4.5 or better in Game 1 and for the series, expecting a high-scoring affair.
Sack notes that both teams faced undermanned opponents and may not be as strong as they appear. He sees Indiana as a slightly better team on a neutral court and is waiting to see how Game 1 plays out before placing a bet. If the Pacers lose Game 1, he plans to back them in Game 2 or the series, considering a potential revenge factor for the Knicks.
Best bets: NY Knicks -4.5 in Game 1, NY Knicks -155 to win series (Fiddle); no bet yet (Sack).