The NBA postseason is heating up, and for basketball bettors, the opportunities are plentiful. CBS Sports is here to provide daily picks throughout the entirety of the playoffs, ensuring that fans have the necessary information to make informed wagers. Today, we delve into the Game 3 matchups between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, as well as the clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

In the Pacers-Knicks showdown, the focus turns to the impact of T.J. McConnell on the outcome. McConnell's presence on the court has been instrumental for the Pacers, as they have performed significantly better when he's in the game. While his defensive skills have limited Jalen Brunson's shot-making ability, the rest of the Knicks will likely put more pressure on rookie sensation Tyrese Haliburton, creating ample opportunities for McConnell to showcase his playmaking abilities.

Considering his average of 5.5 assists per game this season, it's worth considering placing a wager on McConnell surpassing this mark. The Knicks' injury-plagued roster only increases the likelihood of McConnell's contributions being emphasized. Although steals may be tempting, the line on that prop feels a bit low to provide substantial value. However, for risk-takers, McConnell's three-pointers prop at +190 to hit a single triple could be intriguing, given his solid shooting percentage from beyond the arc this season.

Moving on to the Knicks' depleted lineup, the spotlight shifts to Deuce McBride, who could play a significant role in filling the void left by key absences. With players like Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Bojan Bogdanovic, and OG Anunoby out of commission, McBride's increased playing time becomes probable. Coach Tom Thibodeau has shown in the past that he favors allocating additional minutes to certain players, and McBride fits that mold.

With Anunoby's minutes up for grabs, either McBride or Precious Achiuwa will benefit. While both may see increased court time, McBride's potential to score becomes a focal point. He has performed admirably on occasions when given extended minutes, averaging 16.6 points in games where he played 40 minutes or more this season. Bettors should consider placing a wager on McBride exceeding 11.5 points, capitalizing on Thibodeau's tendencies and the opportunity for increased scoring.

Shifting gears to the Timberwolves-Nuggets clash, the focus turns to the perception of Minnesota's formidable defense. While their defense has garnered significant praise, it's essential to remember that they have yet to reach the conference finals. Therefore, comparisons to the best defenses of the century may be premature.

Analyzing the trends from previous matchups, both between these teams and against other opponents, hints at a higher-scoring affair than initially expected. The point total over/under of 204.5 may appear low, but recent history suggests otherwise. Previous postseason games involving these teams have often exceeded the projected points, with variances such as shooting efficiency, referees' decisions, or unexpected offensive performances influencing the outcomes.

Although the Nuggets may not emerge victorious in Game 3, it's unlikely that their offense will disappoint once again. After three days off to regroup and prepare, their scoring should improve. This presents a betting opportunity to take the over on the point total of 204.5, as even stout defenses can succumb to high-scoring games due to various factors.

As the NBA postseason unfolds, bettors must keenly observe player performances, lineup changes, and historical trends to make informed wagers. McConnell's playmaking skills and increased opportunities, alongside McBride's potential to step up in a depleted Knicks lineup, are enticing options for those looking for an edge. Additionally, the Timberwolves-Nuggets matchup suggests a higher-scoring game than anticipated. NBA fans and bettors are in for an exciting night as the postseason action continues.

Be sure to check back for daily picks and analysis as we navigate through the thrilling 2024 NBA postseason.

(Note: The information presented in this article is solely based on the data and opinions provided in the original source.