NBA Predictions & Preview For Saturday, May 31st

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The New York Knicks didn’t just extend their season for at least one more game by beating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5, they also smushed my bet on the Pacers to cover the spread. Can the Knicks force the series back to New York for a winner-take-all Game 7? Here are your NBA predictions and preview for Saturday, May 31st.

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers q3d15

Start Time – 8:00 PM EST

Survey says – NO! Well, at least I’d be surprised if the New York Knicks force a Game 7 by beating the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Knicks got a road win in this series already, winning Game 3 in Indianapolis. The odds of them getting a second are slim.

Because this Indiana Pacers team is really, really good. And they’ve proven they’ve got the recipe to beat New York. And they’ve got the best player in the series in Tyrese Haliburton, which is often what these things boil down to in the NBA Playoffs.

The Pacers are also really good at home, winning five of seven on their home floor during this playoff run, which is why I would be surprised if the Knicks are able to manage to steal another one in front of the Pacers’ faithful.

If this were a regular-season game, I’d have Indiana as a 1.5 or two-point favorite. Since this is the playoffs and I expect them to bounce back after last game, I think they cover the spread we’re getting at the books.

Best Bet: Indiana -3.5 (-115)

Overall Record: 194-162 (54%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1,535.3
Return on Investment: 4%