It’s a new era for the Knicks as they enter the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. The team made major moves in the offseason acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, and it’s paid off.
Towns has played a key role in helping the Knicks advance past the Pistons and Celtics in the first two rounds. Now, the Knicks will get a rematch with the Pacers. These two teams met in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals where Indiana won in seven games.
It’s an opportunity for New York to get revenge on an Indiana team that didn’t make many changes to its roster. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam remain the top two players on the team heading into this series.
Game 1 is set for Wednesday, May 21 at 8 p.m. ET. The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites at home and the total is set at 224 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here are my favorite Towns prop bets for Game 1.
Best Karl-Anthony Towns Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Karl-Anthony Towns over 11.5 rebounds (-120)
Towns’ scoring has been a bit unpredictable in the postseason. Some games he disappears for long stretches, even when he’s not dealing with foul trouble. Other games he’s aggressive and fearless.
In a Game 1 matchup against the Pacers, it’s not the time to gamble on Towns’ scoring presence. Instead, stick with what’s been consistent: his rebounding.
Regardless of how many touches he gets, he can always be a factor on the boards. Through 12 playoff games with the Knicks, Towns has racked up at least 11 rebounds in eight games. He’s also hit the over on 11.5 rebounds five times — four of which came against the Celtics.
The main obstacle is Towns picking up early fouls. He’s had at least four fouls in every game except Game 1 vs. the Pistons. If he’s on the floor for enough time, over 11.5 rebounds has a solid chance at hitting.