There have been a lot of improbable comebacks over the years in the NBA, including some absurd ones by the Pacers in this postseason alone. But what we saw on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden takes the cake. Indiana was as high as 40-1 on the moneyline late in the fourth quarter, and was able to keep its momentum going in overtime to steal the game. So how do the Knicks respond to arguable the most improbable loss in NBA history? We’ll find out on Friday night at MSG. Let’s breakdown some best bets for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Game 2 Player Prop: Obi Toppin OVER 3.5 Rebounds (-135) – 1-unit
While Myles Turner played a key role in getting the offense going early for the Pacers in Game 1, he was also the only member of Indiana’s starting five that finished with a plus/minus in the negatives. The Pacers found something going with Obi Toppin on the floor instead, and he was extremely efficient. The former Knick played 20 minutes off the bench, finishing with eight points, and matched a season-high with 10 rebounds. I’d look for Toppin to play a larger role in this game given the success the Pacers had with him on the floor, likely playing closer to 25 minutes. If those minutes are in place of Turner, look for Toppin to crash the glass again. I’ll play Toppin over his modest rebounding prop of 3.5, and feel he’s work considering playing alternate overs on.
Game 2 Play: Knicks 1H ML/Yankees ML (+100) – 2-units
This is simply betting the bounce back angle on the Knicks, who I expect a strong start from in Game 2. New York survived the Pacers making their first eight field goal attempts in Game 1 and still led after the first quarter, and eventually took a seven-point lead into the locker room at halftime. With how Game 1 concluded, I think its fair to expect a desperate, yet focused effort from the Knicks the begin Game 2. Rather than lay -4 and need the Knicks to be up five or more at the break to cash, I’m going to go to a moneyline parlay here. The Yankees face the embarrassing Rockies at Coors Field, so I’ll ride with a New York themed parlay here on Friday night at even money. If the Knicks get the job done, I may look to take points with the Pacers in the second half. I’m not expecting another finish for the ages, but the Pacers have been savages at grinding their way back into these games.
Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app on Apple or Google!
