NBA Best Bets Friday 5/17/24

Today’s NBA slate features a critical Game 6 matchup between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Here are the top five best bets for today, with key insights and statistics to back up each pick.

Maximize your betting and fantasy picks with Oddsjam, designed to help you quickly identify the most reliable bets in today’s games.

Start your 7-Day Free Trial Now

New York Knicks @ Indiana Pacers

• Vegas Info: Indiana Pacers -6.0, Game Total: 215.0
• Road Team Total: 104.5
• Home Team Total: 110.5
• Time: 8:30 PM ET

Top 5 NBA Best Bets

1. Knicks +6

• Insight: The Knicks have shown resilience throughout this series, bouncing back from a blowout loss in Game 4 to win decisively in Game 5. With a strong defensive presence and solid rebounding, they can keep the game close.
• Statistics:
  • Knicks’ Rebounding Rate: 1st in the league
  • Pacers’ Defensive Rating: 24th in the league

Why It’s a Best Bet:

• The Knicks’ ability to control the pace and dominate the boards gives them a significant edge to cover the spread, even if they don’t win outright.

2. Over 215 Total Points

• Insight: Despite recent low-scoring games due to blowouts, when both teams are competitive, the games tend to go over the total. The Pacers’ fast pace and high-scoring offense combined with the Knicks’ efficient scoring can push the total over.
• Statistics:
  • Pacers’ Pace: 2nd in the league
  • Pacers’ Points Per Game: 123.3
  • Knicks’ Points Per Game: 112.8

Why It’s a Best Bet:

• Both teams have the capability to score in bunches, and with the stakes high, expect a more competitive and higher-scoring game.

Get more MLB Content here:
Get +EV Bets Here | Arbitrage Bets | Sportsbook Screen | Prizepicks Optimizer

3. Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 Points

• Insight: Brunson has been the focal point of the Knicks’ offense, especially with Julius Randle out. He has taken a high volume of shots and has been highly productive.
• Statistics:
  • Points Per Game: 28.7
  • Usage Rate: 31%
  • Field Goal Attempts in Game 5: 35

Why It’s a Best Bet:

• With the Pacers’ weak defense and Brunson’s high usage, he is likely to exceed his scoring average and hit the over on points.

4. Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 Assists

• Insight: Haliburton is the primary playmaker for the Pacers and excels in a fast-paced game, providing ample opportunities to rack up assists.
• Statistics:
  • Assists Per Game: 10.9
  • Usage Rate: 24%

Why It’s a Best Bet:

• In a must-win game, Haliburton will be more aggressive in facilitating the offense, increasing his chances to hit the over on assists.

Start your 7-Day Free Trial Now 

– Find the best betting opportunities with the Positive EV Betting Tool by OddsJam – Your key to smarter betting

5. Myles Turner Over 7.5 Rebounds

• Insight: Turner is the defensive anchor for the Pacers and will need to step up in rebounding to limit the Knicks’ second-chance opportunities.
• Statistics:
  • Rebounds Per Game: 6.9
  • Rebounding Chances in Game 5: 17

Why It’s a Best Bet:

• With a high number of rebounding chances and the Pacers needing a strong defensive effort, Turner is well-positioned to exceed his rebounding average.

Key Matchup Insights

• Pace of Play: The Pacers’ fast-paced style against the Knicks’ slower tempo will create interesting dynamics. Expect high-scoring opportunities.
• Rebounding Battle: The Knicks’ top-ranked rebounding will be crucial in limiting the Pacers’ second-chance opportunities.
• Injury Impact: The absence of key players like Julius Randle and OG Anunoby has shifted roles and increased opportunities for other players.

Bullet Points

• Knicks +6: Resilient team, strong rebounding, defensive presence.
• Over 215 Total Points: High-scoring potential, fast pace, efficient offenses.
• Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 Points: High usage, productive scorer, favorable matchup.
• Tyrese Haliburton Over 10.5 Assists: Primary playmaker, fast pace, must-win game.
• Myles Turner Over 7.5 Rebounds: Defensive anchor, high rebounding chances, crucial role.

By focusing on these best bets, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of success in today’s NBA slate. Keep these insights in mind as you finalize your picks. Good luck!