After the Indiana Pacers couldn’t finish off the New York Knicks in Game 5, discussions arose about Game 6 in Indiana being a necessity for victory. Although they lead the series 3-2, the outcome of one game can dramatically affect the perception of a tight playoff series, which has seen a mere six-point difference between the teams across five matches.

If the Knicks prevail in Game 6, they will delay the series’ conclusion, leading many to believe that Indiana would be at a significant disadvantage in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.

Historically, teams that failed to finish a series in Game 6 at home have a record of 10-15 in Game 7 since 2003, a somewhat encouraging statistic since it suggests nearly a coin flip at a 40% success rate. Recently, four out of the last five teams in this situation have rallied to win their Game 7s on the road.

Notably, this includes the Warriors, who lost Game 6 to the Rockets but won Game 7 in Houston.

Current betting suggests the Pacers are slight favorites to win Game 6 at -3.5, while their odds of winning the series stand at -375. Despite the pressure, history demonstrates that Game 6 isn’t strictly a do-or-die for the Pacers, allowing them to proceed with some level of confidence. However, as the stakes heighten, anything can happen on the court.

Ultimately, while Indiana must remain vigilant, they also hold some leeway in this high-pressure scenario. The Knicks face their own concerns as they look to defeat the Pacers in Game 6.