Oddsmaker insights and best bets for Knicks-Pacers, Wolves-Nuggets Game 3s

Where the public is betting and quotes from oddsmakers on Friday's two NBA playoff games

It was a surprising night in the NBA Playoffs on Thursday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers (+13) shocked the Boston Celtics 118-94 in Boston and the Dallas Mavericks (+5.5) kept hitting 3s en route to a 119-110 road upset over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both series are now tied 1-1.

On Friday night, the playoffs turn to the banged-up New York Knicks (+7.5) looking to go up 3-0 on the Indiana Pacers and the surprising Minnesota Timberwolves (-4) looking to go up 3-0 against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

Here are some insights from oddsmakers on Friday’s two NBA Playoff games, along with public betting splits from three sportsbooks and a few best bets from handicappers. I’ll update this file throughout the day as I get more information.

New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers (-7.5, 222.5)

DraftKings: 37% of bets, 62% of $$ on Pacers -7.5

BetMGM: 48% of bets, 72% of $$ on Pacers -7.5

BetRivers: 33% of bets, 68% of $$ on Pacers -7.5

Most bet (tickets) Pacers-Knicks player props at BetMGM

1. Andrew Nembhard under 17.5 points/rebounds/assists (-125)

2. Jalen Brunson under 35.5 points (-110)

3. TJ McConnell over 19.5 points/rebounds/assists (-110)

4. Isaiah Hartenstein under 10.5 rebounds (-115)

5. Donte DiVincenzo under 4.5 three-pointers (-155)

From an oddsmaker: “The public is on both dogs. The Knicks, despite being banged up are seeing 58% of tickets and 56% of money on the spread. It’s 60-40 Knicks on the ML as well.” — Zachary Lucas, head of retail sportsbook at TwinSpires

Best bets

Knicks-Pacers OVER 222.5 — Ian Cameron

Pacers team total OVER 114.5 — Ian Cameron

Pacers team total OVER 114.5 — Noops Christenson, FTN Bets

Isaiah Hartenstein OVER 12.5 points — Noops Christenson

Knicks +7.5 — Jonathan Von Tobel, VSiN

Pacers -7 — Doug Kezirian, OnlyPlayers.com