NBA Preview - Knicks at Pacers GM 6 !!

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA betting for this weekend. The guys also give out best bets. In this episode of RJ Bell’s Dream Preview, Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers analyzed the NBA Playoffs, focusing on the Knicks-Pacers Game 6 and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Western Conference Finals victory. The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 124-94 in Game 5 to close the series 4-1. Mackenzie emphasized that OKC’s key series win was against the Nuggets, which elevated them from contender to champion-level status. Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's playoff performance was historic: 29.7 points, 6.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 47.1% shooting, and only 2.1 turnovers per game. Only Michael Jordan, Nikola Jokic, and LeBron James have posted similar numbers in playoff history. OKC’s defense also made history, holding two teams under 10 points in the first quarter within six games, something no team has previously accomplished. Their balanced profile of third in offense and first in defense mirrors the 2015 Warriors. With 61 total wins, the Thunder have surpassed the 2017-18 Warriors for the most 10-point playoff wins ever. Mackenzie argued that betting markets are undervaluing OKC, who entered the Finals as -750 favorites.

Shifting to the Eastern Conference, the Knicks won Game 5 against the Pacers 111-94. Jalen Brunson led with 32 points on 12 of 18 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Josh Hart contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes. The Knicks’ defense has consistently limited Indiana, holding them under 100 points in both of their series wins. Mackenzie critiqued betting lines that made Indiana 3.5-point favorites for Game 6, arguing the market was reacting to recent outcomes rather than overall team strength. Injuries also factored in, with Pacers defender Aaron Nesmith limited to 16 minutes due to an ankle injury. Pascal Siakam admitted postgame that the Knicks "played harder," signaling New York's edge in effort.

Mackenzie highlighted Towns' advantageous matchup against Myles Turner, citing Towns’ career average of 28 points per game against him and recommending a prop bet on Towns scoring over 22.5 points. Josh Hart’s rebounding was also emphasized, with Hart posting 10 or more rebounds in 14 of his last 16 games against the Pacers when playing at least 30 minutes. His rebounding prop was set at 9.5 rebounds with plus odds, and his double-double was available at +254 odds.

Mackenzie revealed his updated player rankings based on playoff performances. Nikola Jokic ranked first at 97.5 out of 100, followed by SGA at 97, Giannis at 96.5, Luka and Steph both at 95.5, with Tatum and Anthony Davis tied at 94. Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards both earned a 93 rating, while Tyrese Haliburton was ranked 23rd. Mackenzie argued Haliburton’s playoff inconsistency and low scoring frequency kept him outside the top tier. Karl-Anthony Towns was ranked 19th, performing better than Haliburton overall. Ja Morant was downgraded to 26th due to his limited availability, while Sengun led the Rockets contingent.

Both hosts discussed the international dominance in today’s NBA, with Jokic, SGA, Giannis, Luka, and Wembenyama leading a generational shift. Mackenzie concluded that the Knicks have the momentum and desperation advantage heading into Game 6, predicting they could force a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. They agreed to record another episode if Game 7 materializes.

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