Tonight is Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are set to clash once again. As the NBA playoffs reach their final stages, the performance of every player has become crucial. And today we’re focusing on two players who can be game-changers for their team: Tyrese Haliburton and Josh Hart.
First of all, let’s talk about Tyrese Haliburton. The guy was literally on fire last match — 15 assists! In the entire series, he has given double-digit assists 3 times out of 4 matches. Whenever the Pacers have won a match, Haliburton’s assists chart has gone up. This clearly shows how critical his playmaking role is to Indiana.
Haliburton’s pace control and the slightly messy rotations of the Knicks defense work to his advantage. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau may follow his old instincts and shorten the rotations, which will create more opportunities for the Pacers. When the game is under pressure, composed guards like Haliburton are very valuable.
If today’s game goes close (which is very likely), Haliburton’s 10+ assists prop could easily hit. So Over 9.5 assists looks like a solid pick. And if the Pacers are in a mood to close this series, Haliburton will be the core of that execution.
Now let’s talk about Josh Hart. Last game was a bad dream for him – off game, missed shots, and overall low impact. But still, he spent 36 minutes on court. This means the coach trusts him, whether he comes off the bench or is in the starting five.
Hart is a player whose hustle is unmatched. Even if his scoring doesn’t go well, his rebounding game is always dependable. In the series, he has crossed the 18.5 Points + Rebounds mark twice and missed by just 0.5 once. That means consistency is right there, just a little finishing touch is left.
For the Knicks, this is an elimination game, and high-effort players like Hart clutch in the moment. If he plays a little aggressively — drives, cuts, and trying to take free throws — achieving a combo of 10 points and 10 rebounds won’t be hard.
And if Knicks fans trust anyone after Jalen Brunson, it’s Josh Hart. So if you’re looking at player props, Josh Hart Over 18.5 Points + Rebounds looks like a good bounce-back bet.
Today’s match isn’t just a game, it’s a psychological battle for both teams. The Pacers will want to eliminate the Knicks and advance to the next round, while the Knicks will give their all to keep their season alive. The stakes are high for both teams, and it’s in matches like these that stars make their legacy.
So if you’re watching the NBA or are even a little interested in betting, keep an eye on both Haliburton and Hart — because anything can happen tonight.
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