Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1 Preview & Prediction (May 21, 2025)
And then there were four. In the NBA Conference Finals, two sets remain, and in the Eastern Conference, it’s the Pacers against the Knicks. Both teams want that Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, but they’ll have to battle it out in a best-of-seven.
The Pacers have been bolting past teams all postseason, turning transition chances into points before their opponents have a chance to react. The Knicks have taken another tack by slowing games down, throwing bodies around, and relying on defense to drag opponents into uncomfortable positions.
Game 1 will put their styles on a collision course. New York wants to control the clock and force Indiana to earn every shot. Indiana wants to push the Knicks into places where their usual defensive advantages will not apply. Which team can knock the other out of sorts? And who’s prepared to adapt when things aren’t going their way? Let’s get into it!
Quick Take
- The Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years, with defense, rebounding, and late-game composure getting them to this point.
- Indiana hasn’t had to sweat as much in the postseason with 8 wins in 10 games, and all were built around speed, movement, and shot-making.
- New York has the Garden, the muscle, and a backcourt that doesn’t fold under pressure.
- The Pacers have gotten extra rest, they have plenty of movement, and a plan to knock the Knicks off kilter.
- Expect to see a game with hard fouls, big minutes from the star players, and absolutely no interest in easing into it.
Prediction Breakdown
46.9%
53.1%
According to GamblingSite.com
Game Details
- Matchup: Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks
- Series Status: Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21, at 8:00 pm ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Broadcast: TNT/Max
Betting Odds
How do the numbers look going into Game 1? Here are the latest odds and lines according to DraftKings Sportsbook:
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Pacers | +4.5 (-110) | +150 | Over 223 (-110) |
Knicks | -4.5 (-110) | -180 | Under 223 (-110) |
Betting Lines (as of May 20)
- Spread: Knicks -4
- Moneyline: Knicks -167 | Pacers +155
- Over/Under: 223.5 points
Team Overviews
The Pacers always want to speed things up and get open looks, and will try the same so that the Knicks won’t be able to settle in defensively. And New York slows things down and forces teams to work for every single possession. These two teams are built differently, so let’s see how that will affect Game 1.
Indiana Pacers – Playoff Record: 8–2
Key Players
- Tyrese Haliburton: Leads the offense with good decision-making and really quick reads. He’s averaging 19.2 points and 9.2 assists per game.
- Pascal Siakam: Brings size and playoff experience to a team that’s full of speed. He’s putting up 20.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
Strengths
- A relentless offense that averages 117.4 points per game.
- Shooting nearly 49% from the field, and that’s amazing in the postseason.
- Defensive effort has picked up since the break, giving their scoring more room to count.
New York Knicks – Playoff Record: 8–3
Key Players
- Jalen Brunson: The driving force behind New York’s offense. He’s scoring 26.0 points and dishing out 7.3 assists per game while also handling pressure possessions.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: A force on the boards and a stretch threat—24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game during this run.
Strengths
- Giving up just 111.7 points per game, which is among the best defensive showings this postseason.
- Strong at home, with a 27–14 record at Madison Square Garden.
- Comfortable in close games, and that’s all due to Brunson’s late-game control and decision-making.
Head-to-Head
- Regular Season Series: Knicks 2-1
- 2024 Playoffs: The Pacers beat the Knicks in 7 games
- Historical Playoff Matchups: Pacers are ahead 4-3
Best Bets
If you’re putting some money on this game, here are your best bets:
- Game Total Over 223.5 Points – Indiana’s offense gets into its sets quickly, and the Knicks have shown they can keep up when possessions stretch out. If both teams find their rhythm early, this number should get cleared.
- Pacers +4 Spread – Indiana hasn’t backed down from any matchup this postseason. They move the ball well and know how to stay in games, even against really physical teams like New York.
- Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 Points – Brunson is the go-to option for the Knicks. His workload has been insane, and when the offense tightens up? He’s still the one taking the most important shots.
Series Outlook
The betting market is viewing this one as being super close, and that tracks! New York has the advantage in physicality and late-game execution. Indiana has speed, movement, and enough unpredictability to throw a wrench into even the best-laid game plan. It isn’t going to be a short series, and neither team’s gonna run away with it.
Series Odds
- Knicks: -140
- Pacers: +120
- Predicted Result: Knicks in 7 games (+400)
New York’s defense and experience in close games give them the upper hand in a long series, but Indiana’s pace and offensive flow make them gnarly opponents in any matchup, more so if they win a game early.
Our Game 1 Verdict: Pacers vs. Knicks
Final Prediction for Game 1
– Knicks 112, Pacers 108
New York has the defense, the home atmosphere, and a late-game shot creator who’s been super reliable all postseason. Brunson will control the offense when it matters, and the Knicks should be able to keep Indiana from finding their usual cadence. The Pacers won’t fall off—they’ll keep the margin tight and cover—but the Knicks take the opener in front of their Garden fans.
New York wants to keep this game under control. They’re at their best when they can slow things down, force tough shots, and make every possession count. Indiana moves differently with quicker passes, faster decisions, and a constant push to catch defenses out of position.
The opener could come down to which team dictates the tempo first. If the Pacers get clean looks before the Knicks can set their defense, they’re going to stay competitive. But if New York is walking the ball up and running their sets through Brunson, they’ll be in a solid position to take Game 1 at home.
- Key Matchup: Brunson vs. Haliburton – The floor generals will have a major say in how the game plays out.
- Stat to Watch: Turnovers. Indiana doesn’t function well in the half court when they’re not taking care of the ball.
Looking to place a wager on Game 1? Check out these trusted betting sites for the best odds.
