Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam delivered an impressive performance in Game 2 against the New York Knicks, scoring 39 points along with five rebounds, three assists, and one steal. This dominant display on the court helped the Pacers secure a 2-0 lead in the series heading into Sunday’s Game 3 at 8 p.m. ET, where Siakam’s continued dominance remains a key factor. His consistent rebounding—achieving at least five boards in six of his last seven games—is a critical component of Indiana’s success, making him central to betting discussions focused on the Knicks vs. Pacers playoff matchup.

Projected Player Props Highlight Siakam’s Continued Impact

Sports betting models predict that Siakam will sustain his high level of play for Game 3, evident from the player props offered by leading sportsbooks. Siakam is expected to be a popular selection for same-game parlays, with Indiana favored by 1.5 points on its home court. His over/under marks stand at 20.5 points and 3.5 assists, suggesting that bettors anticipate a well-rounded contribution from the forward. The SportsLine Projection Model, which uses 10,000 simulations per game and boasts a successful track record, supports these predictions and highlights the value in wagering on Siakam’s upcoming performance.

Siakam Projected to Exceed Rebounding Expectations at Home

Despite securing only five rebounds in each of the first two postseason meetings with New York, Siakam’s home playoff average stands at 6.4 rebounds per game. Given that the Knicks are shooting 45.2% from the field during the postseason, the opportunity for rebounds is abundant. Historically, in five of his last eight home games against winning teams while favored, Siakam has surpassed total rebound expectations, averaging 8.2 rebounds per contest. SportsLine’s model projects Siakam to grab approximately 8.1 rebounds in Game 3, making the over 6.5 rebounds prop a strong candidate for those seeking a reliable bet. This selection also benefits from attractive odds offered by FanDuel Sportsbook.

Ben Mathurin Aims to Bounce Back After Silent Game 2

Ben Mathurin’s limited playtime and zero-point tally in Game 2 contrast sharply with his impressive regular-season averages of 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. This recent underperformance could represent a prime opportunity to bet on his resurgence during Game 3. His home-court statistics reinforce this potential, with a 90.2% success rate in meeting points-plus-rebounds projections across 41 games at home, averaging 21.5 combined points and rebounds. These insights suggest Mathurin is poised for a rebound performance, and his over 10.5 points-plus-rebounds prop at -105 odds is considered valuable. Bettors can find advantageous terms through existing sportsbook promotions.

“Despite a recent 3-1 under stretch and a 10.8 average over his last nine games, his home splits are elite: he’s 37-4 (90.2%) to the over on this line at home, averaging 21.5 points + rebounds compared to 18.7 on the road.”

— Stephen Oh, Data Scientist

Jalen Brunson Projected to Fall Short of Scoring Market

Jalen Brunson has driven New York’s offense so far, with exceptional scoring outputs of 43 and 36 points in the series‘ first two games. However, Game 3 presents a critical juncture for the Knicks, possibly prompting Brunson to take fewer shots and adopt a different tactical approach. Supporting this, Brunson has scored 29 or fewer points in each of his last three playoff road appearances, and statistical models indicate he often fails to reach scoring prop expectations in away contests where his team is an underdog. The projection sets Brunson’s point total around 27.1, below the over/under line of 31.5 points. This status as a 4-star betting option is paired with favorable odds through BetMGM, which includes promotions for new users.

Implications for Game 3 and Future Series Outcomes

Pascal Siakam’s continued dominance in both scoring and rebounding could cement Indiana’s advantage in this playoff series, placing immense pressure on New York to counter effectively. The latest prop forecasts, supported by in-depth data analyses and simulation models, provide bettors with insight into likely player performances, particularly highlighting Siakam’s commanding presence on the court. Meanwhile, contributions from role players like Ben Mathurin and strategic adjustments involving Jalen Brunson may prove decisive for the Knicks as they attempt to extend the series. With Game 3 set to unfold under tense circumstances, the developing trend of Siakam dominant in Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3 underscores his pivotal role in shaping the series outcome.