*These NBA Playoff computer 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
Over/Under Prediction: Over 217.0 Total Points
Both the Knicks and the Pacers have leaned toward higher-scoring games in recent matchups.
The Knicks have hit the game total over in 17 of their last 21 games. The Pacers have hit the total over in 51 of their last 85 games and the game total over in 24 of their last 33 away games.
With both lineups showing strong offense and given the recent trend of high-scoring games for both, taking the over on 217.0 total points seems like a reasonable pick.
ATS Prediction: New York Knicks -6.0
The Knicks have shown strength in covering the spread, especially at home, where they covered the 2Q spread in 29 of their last 45 games.
The Pacers have struggled on the road in the playoffs, losing their last 9 road games after a win.
Favorites have covered the spread in 9 of the last 10 Pacers-Knicks games. These factors, along with the Knicks’ recent success at home and the trend of favorites covering the spread in their matchups, selecting New York -6.0 appears to be a favorable pick.
Best Pick: Over 217.0 Total Points
MINNESOTA @ DENVER
WESTERN CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND – GAME 2
MINNESOTA LEAD 1-0
Over/Under Prediction: Under 205.0 Total Points
Both Denver and Minnesota have trended toward lower-scoring games.
The Nuggets have hit the 1Q game total over in only 36 of their last 96 games, while the Timberwolves have hit the 1Q game total over in 39 of their last 80 games.
Additionally, 8 of the Nuggets’ last 9 playoff games went unders, suggesting a trend toward lower-scoring matchups in the Playoffs.
Along with the trend of lower-scoring games between these two teams, the under 205.0 total points seems nice.
ATS Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves +5.0
While the Timberwolves have shown resilience in covering the spread in their last 7 playoff games, the Nuggets’ historical trend of bouncing back after losses as favorites suggests they might be able to cover the spread in this matchup.
With the Nuggets winning 14 of their last 15 games after losses as favorites, there’s a strong indication that they could bounce back and cover against the Timberwolves.
Best Pick: Under 205.0 Total Points
