Josh Hart continues to be the difference-maker for the "New York Knicks" despite coming off the bench in recent games. The versatile guard has helped keep the Knicks' season alive as they forced a Game 6 showdown against the "Indiana Pacers" in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite his technical reserve role, Hart has logged heavy minutes (34 and 36 in the past two games) while making significant contributions across the stat sheet. In Game 5's crucial victory, he posted 12 points, hauled in 10 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists.
"Indiana" enters Saturday's home game as the favorite, with oddsmakers giving the Pacers an implied 64% probability of finishing the job. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and will air on TNT.
Hart's rebounding has been particularly impressive throughout the series. He ranks second in rebounding chances behind only Karl-Anthony Towns, averaging 17.6 opportunities per game against the Pacers. This nose for the ball has translated to 10 rebounds per game in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Worth noting, the "Pacers" have demonstrated remarkable resilience after defeats this season, going 23-12 straight up following losses, including a dominant 10-3 mark at home in such situations. They're also perfect (3-0) after playoff losses.
According to analysis from Statbet, Hart has finished with 14 or more combined rebounds and assists in three of the first five games of this series, and in nine of his last 15 postseason appearances dating back to Game 3 versus Detroit.
Game 6 could prove tighter than the 4-point spread suggests, with the "Pacers" holding a 5-2 straight-up record at home in these playoffs but just 4-3 against the spread. The total has opened at 218.5 points with early betting interest pushing it up to 219.5.
Can Hart's gritty play help the Knicks force a decisive Game 7, or will the Pacers punch their ticket to the Finals for the first time since 2000? Saturday's showdown should provide the answer.
