Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
New York Knicks by 2Ah, the glory of the Conference Finals, game six. We’re lingering in Hoosier territory, where the Indiana Pacers are hosting the New York Knicks.
On paper, the Pacers seem like the easy favorites. Their series lead betrays none of the sweat and hard fouls exchanged underneath the rim. But folks, this ain’t paper, this is basketball.
Hot off the press, the Knicks are bringing a strong lineup including Jalen Brunson who's been dropping baskets like hot potatoes in the playoffs, averaging 30.1 points per game. Brunson together with Karl-Anthony Towns, who's been literally gobbling rebounds at an impressive clip this post-season, can cause some serious turbulence for the Pacers' defense.
Let's not forget Josh Hart, who has been a sturdy support with a healthy 12.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game average in the playoffs. On the other hand, if there were a shadow hovering over these Knicks, it would possibly be in the shape of Mikal Bridges, who's taken a step back in the playoffs compared to his regular season game.
Onto the Pacers now, folks. They have a talented lineup too. Tyrese Haliburton seems to sparkle more in pressure; this lad's playoff performance with 18.7 points and 9.5 assists per game mirrors his commendable season statistics. And Pascal Siakam, oh mama, he has been slicing through defense, netting an average of 20.4 points this post-season.
With the current series record in their favor, the Pacers might seem comfortable. But the Knicks have been in their face like a pesky fly, they’ve notched two wins in Indiana, and you can bet your bottom dollar they’re hankering for the third.
The Pacers had a slight slip in their step during the regular season finishing 4th in the Eastern Conference, but they somehow find themselves a win away from sealing their place in the Finals.
Knicks had a slightly tighter grip on the regular season finishing third in the Eastern Conference compared to the Pacers. But in the playoffs, they've had their fair share of close shaves, evident from their 4-2 series against the Celtics.
Pacers will be cheering and jeering at their home, but the Knicks have shown they aren’t bothered by boisterous crowds or hostile rims.
After mulling over all these factors, here’s my prediction. It’s going to be tighter than a siz-too-small shoe on a swollen foot. Time to make the magic happen, pals.
Albert’s Prediction: New York Knicks by 2