Eastern Conference rivals are set to battle tonight at Madison Square Garden when the Knicks host the Pacers. Following a miraculous comeback in Game 1, Indiana holds a 1-0 series lead. However, the Knicks have more than enough firepower to even things up. Among the names that need to perform for New York, Mikal Bridges stands out. What kind of production we expect from the two-way wing on Friday?
The Knicks enter tonight’s contest as six-point favorites, with the over/under set at 224.5 points. Here’s the best Mikal Bridges prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook before Friday’s Game 2 tips off.
Mikal Bridges O 3.5 assists (-140)
After an up-and-down regular season, a vocal segment of Knicks fans were growing worried with Bridges’ fit with the Knicks. Acquired last summer from the Nets, the guard averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 82 games. Those numbers, while solid, didn’t necessarily justify the five first-round picks New York had to give Brooklyn.
At this point, it’s safe to say those concerns have been put to rest. Bridges has thrived behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns this postseason, posting 15.5 points on 45.5% shooting. However, the 28-year-old has impressed even more on the defensive end, notching 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks. It’s no wonder that head coach Tom Thibodeau has allowed Bridges to log 38+ minutes in ten of his previous 13 outings.
The most underrated part of Bridges’ skillset might be his play making. It’s not as if the Knicks need him to do much distributing when playing alongside Jalen Brunson. Still, New York is fortunate to have a secondary ball handler on offense. In the playoffs, Mikal has generated a mediocre 3.0 assists per game. However, that mark came primarily against the Pistons and Celtics, two of the Eastern Conference’s best defenses. While the Pacers aren’t pushovers, they play a less physical brand of basketball.
Bridges has found success as a passer in this spot before. In each of the wing’s last six meetings with the Pacers, he’s recorded at least four assists. During those contests, he averaged 35.9 minutes per game; that number has risen to 40.2 this postseason. In addition, Indiana should continue to apply pressure on Brunson when he has the ball. That should keep several other Knicks to remain involved in the offense, including Bridges. Ahead of another potential high-scoring battle, expect New York’s newest star to dish out a handful of dimes.
