NBA Basketball
2013-05-18 - New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Saturday 18 May 2013 - Tip Off 8pm
1am (British Time)
Preview
The New York Knicks managed to stay alive in this series by taking Game 5, although the Indiana Pacers will look back at the terrible free throw shooting as one of the main reasons they failed to close the series. That means everyone has to head back to Indiana for another tough game and all while the Miami Heat get some rest in anticipation of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The big news that came out late before Game 5 was the absence of George Hill for the Pacers after he had suffered a concussion in the previous game. There is no news as to whether Hill will be able to suit up for this one as the has to pass strict NBA procedures and he has been listed as day to day for this one.
Indiana certainly struggled without Hill in Game 5 as they were restricted to 75 points, although they were always in the game as defensively the Pacers have throttled New York. The Point Guard is the main handler of the ball and his absence will certainly be felt in Game 6 if Hill was to miss out.
The Pacers are also expected to be feeling a little more pressure as they look to close this series out at the second time of asking and not having to return to Madison Square Garden on Monday for a Game 7. Indiana will need to be a little more efficient from the field, although they will be satisfied with the defensive effort.
Carmelo Anthony had another good game for the Knicks, but he was backed by Chris Copeland and Ray Felton as New York managed to force another game in the series. However, the Pacers are still making it tough for New York from the field and they return to Indiana where the Knicks averaged under 77 points per game in the two previous Play Off games here.
Head to Head
The New York Knicks cut the lead in this Semi Final Play Off series to 3-2 and they are also just 5-4 behind in the season series.
However, Indiana have won all 4 home games played against New York so far this season.
Prediction
Both of these teams have struggled offensively in the last three games of the series and the absence of George Hill will only make life tougher for the Indiana Pacers in this one.
However, they have really restricted the New York offense in the last three games and I think that defensive effort will once again make this a low-scoring game.
The Pick :
Indiana Pacers 83-82 New York Knicks
