Will Pacers cover vs. Bucks? | Tiger Woods gets exemption to play U.S. Open

Good afternoon, gamblers.

Buckle up, NBA fans! With the Bucks and 76ers facing elimination tonight we should get some pretty entertaining Game 6 action as both the Pacers and Knicks look to punch their ticket to the next round. Milwaukee's top two stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, may be "very, very, very close" to returning -- as coach Doc Rivers said yesterday -- but (officially) both are currently being listed as doubtful. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• Colorado's Deion and Shedeur Sanders blast former player on social media.
• Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews has been ruled out for Game 6 against the Bruins.
• Jaylen Warren reveals that the Steelers could use quarterback Justin Fields as a kickoff returner this season.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

TIGER WOODS RECEIVES SPECIAL EXEMPTION FROM USGA TO PLAY IN U.S. OPEN

One of golf's biggest stars will be competing at the U.S. Open next month. Tiger Woods can play in the tournament after receiving a special exemption from the USGA. Woods wouldn't have previously been eligible since his five-year exemption after winning the 2019 Masters ran its course. Woods has obtained lifetime exemptions to play in both the Masters and PGA Championship, as well as being able to compete in The Open Championship until he's 60 years old.

"The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career," Woods said in a statement. "I'm honored to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete in this year's U.S. Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game."

Game 6: Bucks at Pacers, 6:30 p.m. | TV: TNT

• The Pick: Pacers -6 (-111)
• Key trend: The Pacers are 6-4 ATS when facing the Bucks this season.

SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall is 17-9 in his last 26 picks involving the Pacers.

• Marshall: "The Pacers have matched up very well with the Bucks as they've beaten them in three of the four regular-season games and now are leading this playoff series 3-2. Milwaukee has had problems slowing down the likes of Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner. It's also worth noting that Indiana hasn't lost back-to-back spread decisions in almost two months, and easily could bounce back on Thursday to end the series."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "B" picks on the spread and total, while having a "C" pick on the moneyline.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Game 6: Knicks at 76ers, 9 p.m. | TV: TNT

• The Projection: Over 201.5 (-110)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total with "C" grades for the spread and moneyline for the contest. The over is 7-3 in the Sixers' last 10 games, so we'll expect a high-scoring affair with Philadelphia's season on the line.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Thursday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the playoffs continue.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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