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Pacers vs. Knicks NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bet (5/21)
Written by: Sukh Brar
Last Updated:
Read Time: 6 minutes
nba
Indiana Pacers Odds
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+4.5
-108
222
-110o
+165
New York Knicks Odds
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-4.5
-105
223
-110u
-180
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See Picks & Statistics For The GameThe Mecca of Basketball hosts the boys from the Hoosier State. We’ve got Game 1 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals and two teams with plenty of history are about to clash. I cannot wait. Let’s talk hoops!
Check out our full preview for Pacers vs. Knicks!
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Game Information
- Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
- #4 Indiana Pacers visit #3 New York Knicks
- Previous Matchup: NYK 128-115, February 11, 2025
- Series tied at 0-0
The Canadian Kid is a defensive menace and could be an X-Factor to slow Brunson.
Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks
The Pacers were one of the best teams in the second half of the NBA season. This current version of themselves is not the same team the Knicks faced back in February. There should be a feeling out period in the first few games of this series. Fortunately, both teams should be coming into this contest somewhat fresh. New York defeated Boston in six games and have been off since Friday, May 15. The Pacers beat the Cavaliers in just five games and have been off since Tuesday, May 13.
The Knicks should come into this one angry. In last years Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Knicks went up 3-2 after a 2-0 lead. Then they brutally collapsed in Game 7. Furthermore, the Pacers eliminated New York from the playoffs in 2024, 2013, and 2000.
Then there is the whole Reggie Miller and Spike Lee business. The Pacers’ legend will be on the call for TNT and the Knicks Super Fan will be in his seat as always. This is going to be so much fun.
The Pacers are also aware that the job isn’t done. The goal wasn’t to face the Knicks in the Conference Finals. They were here last year. Former Champion Pascal Siakam was quick to remind the young Pacers superstar of just that.
Siakam said, “Remember, we’re not done.”
Internally, the Pacers have had discussions about the need to be greedy and want these eight wins to lift Larry. Yeah, this is going to be fun.
Brunson was elite in dismantling the Celtics. He averaged 26.2 points per game in that series.
Season Series
Quick reminder how their regular season contests played out.
- October 25, 2024: IND – 98 @ NYK – 123
- November 10, 2024: NYK – 121 @ IND – 132
- February 11, 2025: NYK – 128 @ IND – 115
Eastern Conference Finals Series Odds
- Indiana Pacers series price (+140)
- New York Knicks series price (-160)
Before this game tips off you can still place a series wager with BetOnline!
The Big Bodega shot very poorly against the Celtics. They’ll need him to bounce back.
Eastern Conference Finals Game Analysis
The Pacers path to victory is to continue to rev that engine and be in the driver’s seat. The Knicks may have the 10th ranked fast break defense, but the Pacers have the fifth-best team at getting out in transition. It is crucial to them.
The Knicks may have trouble with their game plan. Tom Thibodeau’s squad was just the 20th ranked paint defense in the association. Additionally, they were 29th in blocks and allowed teams to shoot well from just about anywhere. Rick Carlisle needs to implore to his team to keep relentless pressure on the Knick’s defense. Overwhelm, exhaust, and then win.
Defense wins championships and that’s how the Knicks can just win this series. They need to make this into a mess and then let the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year take them home. Jalen Brunson was great against the Celtics and there’s no reason to expect any less of him in this series.
However, beyond that, the Knicks were 5th ranked in opponent assist-to-turnover ratio. They were also the 2nd ranked defensive rebounding team and fourth at defending second chance points. They have the wing defenders and scheme, now they just have to execute defensively.
Undoubtedly, if the Knicks cannot disrupt the Pacers, they will lose this series. The Pacers don’t go for offensive rebounds or second chance points. Indiana plays a unique brand of basketball. They play fast but were first in assist-to-turnover ratio offensively. Moreover, they also had the third lowest turnover percentage in the NBA. Conclusively, Thibs and company need to force turnovers if the Knicks want their first title since 1973.
To conclude, did I mention this was going to be fun?
A historic rivalry 🍿
PACERS. ECF. GAME 1.
LET’S GO. pic.twitter.com/C2NYgs426X
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) May 21, 2025
Key Outlier.Bet Insights
- The New York Knicks are 10-5 (66.7%) against the spread in their last 15 games at home. It is very hard to play in MSG.
- The over hit in 24 of the Indiana Pacers last 36 games vs. top 10 scoring defenses. The Pacers intend to overwhelm.
- Tyrese Haliburton has exceeded 4.5 rebounds in nine of his last 11 games. Was on triple-double watch a few times last series.
- Myles Turner has failed to exceed 8.5 rebounds + assists in 11 of his last 13 games on the road. Taking on KAT he could have trouble on the glass all series especially when you factor in the fact that they do not go for many offensive rebounds.
NBA Best Bet: IND Pacers Over 109.5 Team Total (-120)
The Knicks allowed 111.7 points per game during the regular season, Indiana went over this mark in two of the three regular season games, and the Knicks made me a sad man last week. So, I’m going with Pacers points. If this hits maybe I’ll feel better about the Celtics’ bleak future.
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Bonus for Peepin’ the Scribbles: Series Predictions!
Chef T: Knicks in 4
SPJ: Pacers in 6
Sukh: Pacers in 7
Vsauce: * Called in Sick *
Like the Analysis? Check out our Outlier.Bet review!
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