*These NBA Playoff picks are done the morning of game day, adjust picks should spreads and lineups change.
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INDIANA @ NEW YORK
EASTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 1
TEAM TRENDS
- The Pacers lost their last 9 playoff road games after a win.
- Favorites covered the spread in 9 of the last 10 Pacers-Knicks games.
- 7 of the Knicks’ last 8 home games went Overs.
- The home team won the first quarter in the last 6 Pacers-Knicks playoff games.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| IND | 47 | 35 | 26-15 | 21-20 |
| NY | 50 | 32 | 27-14 | 23-18 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| IND | 123.3 | 120.2 | +3.1 | 243.5 |
| NY | 112.8 | 108.2 | +4.6 | 221.0 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
INDIANA 2-1
| 11.02.24 | NY | IND | 111:125 |
| 02.02.24 | NY | IND | 109:105 |
| 31.12.23 | IND | NY | 140:105 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| IND | OVER | NY |
| +6.0 | 217.0 | 121:117 |
THE RUB
Jalen Brunson enters the East second-round series leading all players in postseason scoring with 35.5 ppg.
Brunson’s motivation may stem from his time with the Mavericks, particularly a Game 7 loss under coach Rick Carlisle’s tenure. Despite past grievances, Brunson acknowledges Carlisle’s role in his development.
Now in his third season with the Pacers, Carlisle acknowledges Brunson’s exceptional character and talent. Although the Pacers have a 2-1 regular-season advantage over the Knicks, Brunson’s impact cannot be underestimated, averaging 35.7 points in their matchups.
As the series unfolds, both teams bring distinct strengths: the Pacers boast a top-rated offense, while the Knicks excel defensively. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner are key contributors, supported by reserves like Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Myles Turner blocked 2+ times in each of his last 7 playoff games as underdogs.
- Andrew Nembhard scored 12+ points in his last 5 games.
- Myles Turner grabbed 8+ rebounds in his last 5 Game 1s.
- Jalen Brunson scored 39+ points in his last 4 games.
- Pascal Siakam scored 25+ points in 4 of his last 5 games as underdogs.
- Tyrese Haliburton had a double-double in 6 of his last 7 games as underdogs.
- Pascal Siakam had a double-double in 4 of his last 5 playoff road games.
- Donte DiVincenzo blocked at least once in 10 of the Knicks’ last 12 home games.
- Aaron Nesmith had a steal in 5 of his last 6 games against the Knicks.
- Josh Hart scored 18+ points in his last 3 home games.
- Isaiah Hartenstein gave 5+ assists in his last 3 games against the Pacers.
- OG Anunoby had 2+ steals in his last 3 home games against the Pacers.
PICK – OVER 217.0 TOTAL PTS
MINNESOTA @ DENVER
WESTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 2
MINNESOTA LEAD 1-0
TEAM TRENDS
- The Nuggets have won 14 of their last 15 games after a loss as favorites.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in their last 7 playoff games.
- 8 of the Nuggets’ last 9 playoff games went Unders.
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| MIN | 56 | 26 | 30-11 | 26-15 |
| DEN | 57 | 25 | 33-8 | 24-17 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| MIN | 113.0 | 106.5 | +6.5 | 219.5 |
| DEN | 114.9 | 109.6 | +5.3 | 224.5 |
SEASON MATCHUPS
TIED 2-2
| GAME 1 | DEN | MIN | 99:106 |
| 11.04.24 | DEN | MIN | 116:107 |
| 30.03.24 | DEN | MIN | 98:111 |
| 20.03.24 | MIN | DEN | 112:115 |
| 02.11.23 | MIN | DEN | 110:89 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| DEN | OVER | MIN |
| -5.0 | 205.0 | 106:80 |
THE RUB
The reigning champs faced a setback in Game 1 of the Western semifinals against a plucky Minnesota, who seized home-court advantage with a solid 106-99 win.
The Timberwolves’ continued their streak of five straight postseason wins, showcasing their execution and defensive prowess. While the Nuggets remain composed, acknowledging the challenge, they are mindful of adjustments needed, particularly concerning Jamal Murray’s injured calf.
To add some worry to Jamal Murray’s struggles, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards has been awesome. In Game 1, Edwards’ 43-point explosion, supported by teammates like Naz Reid, showcased Minnesota’s depth and fearlessness, evident in their strong start and finish.
Despite Jokic’s 32-poins, the Timberwolves’ defensive rotations, featuring Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Reid, limited his impact, highlighting the series’ competitive nature.
PLAYER TRENDS
- Naz Reid grabbed 4+ rebounds in his last 6 games against Northwest Division opponents.
- Michael Porter Jr. scored 20+ points in the Nuggets’ last 5 games.
- Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double in 9 of his last 10 playoff road games.
- Mike Conley scored 13+ points in his last 5 games as underdogs against the Nuggets.
- Mike Conley grabbed 4 rebounds in his last 5 road games.
- Mike Conley gave 7+ assists in his last 5 playoff road games.
- Nikola Jokic scored 32+ points in his last 4 games against the Timberwolves.
- Anthony Edwards scored 34+ points in 6 of his last 7 playoff games as underdogs.
- Jamal Murray grabbed 4+ rebounds in 6 of his last 7 games against the Timberwolves.
- Aaron Gordon grabbed 7+ rebounds in 5 of the Nuggets’ last 6 playoff home games.
- Aaron Gordon gave 6+ assists in 4 of the Nuggets’ last 5 home games.
- Michael Porter Jr. recorded 2+ steals in the Nuggets’ last 3 home games.
PICK – DENVER -5.0
