Pacers vs. Knicks Game 2 Preview & Best Bets (May 23, 2025)
It was a wild Game 1, and Indiana walked out of Madison Square Garden one game ahead. A 138–135 overtime win has put pressure on the Knicks, who now have to rebound so they don’t go to Indianapolis down 0–2. Jalen Brunson did everything he could with 43 points, but the Pacers’ fourth-quarter comeback and shooting were too much to overcome.
Can the Knicks get it together at home, or are the Pacers about to push NY into a panic?
Game Details
- Matchup: Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks
- Series Status: IND lead 1-0
- Date & Time: Friday, May 23, at 8:00 pm ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Broadcast: TNT, truTV, and MAX
Prediction Breakdown
45.9%
54.1%
According to GamblingSite.com
Team Overviews
Game 1 showed where each team is strong and their weak spots. Below is a recap of how they’re playing!
New York Knicks
New York had all of the reasons to feel good before Game 1: home crowd, strong late-season form, and an MVP-caliber run from Jalen Brunson. But it played out differently than they thought—despite big scoring nights from their big stars, their bench production and late-game execution fell short.
Key Players
- Jalen Brunson: Lit up the scoreboard with 43 points, carrying the offense through stretches where nothing else was working.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: A familiar problem for Indiana—he’s averaged over 30 PPG against them, and his 35-point effort in Game 1 kept New York in it.
- Strengths: Excellent home-court performance, finishing 27–14 at the Garden during the regular season.
- Challenges: The bench group managed only 17 points and had a hard time keeping up with Indiana’s second unit.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers looked loose, confident, and totally unfazed by the crowd. Their offensive pace overwhelmed New York down the stretch, and they only turned the ball over seven times in 53 minutes of play. The comeback from 17 down in the fourth was a sight to see.
Key Players
- Tyrese Haliburton: Nabbed 31 points and 11 assists, including the ice-cold three that forced it into OT.
- Aaron Nesmith: Buried 8-of-9 from deep, six of them in the fourth quarter. His breakout performance def changed the game.
- Strengths: Efficient offense with constant movement and spacing. They keep the ball moving and don’t waste possessions.
- Momentum: Rallied from 17 down to win Game 1 on the road in OT, and it looked pretty effortless for them.
Betting Odds & Lines
Here’s where DraftKings has the odds sitting before the ball goes up:
- Spread: Knicks -5.5
- Over/Under: 227.5 points
- Moneyline: Knicks -225 | Pacers +190
- Prediction: Oddsmakers still like the Knicks to win at home, but Indiana’s Game 1 showing makes that number feel a tad more vulnerable.
Best Bets
Game 1 gave us a lot to work with if you’re looking for the best betting angles!
- Pacers +5.5 – Indiana’s ball movement and perimeter shooting give them enough power to stay in any game. Even if New York ties up the series, this line feels generous.
- Over 227.5 Points – Both teams shot the ball well and pushed the pace during Game 1. Unless it slows down, this number should be in reach again.
- Player Prop – Karl-Anthony Towns Over 22.5 Points – Towns has had success against Indiana for years, and Game 1 showed once again that they don’t have a matchup that bothers him.
- Player Prop – Tyrese Haliburton Double-Double (+140) – With the ball in his hands every trip down, Haliburton has every opportunity to hit this line if the game is close late.
Matchups to Watch
Here are the matchups that we’ll be watching for Game 2:
- Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton: Brunson has the advantage in scoring, but Haliburton’s passing and game management could alter the flow. Whoever is strongest early likely gives their team the advantage late in the game.
- Perimeter Shooting: The Pacers were nearly automatic from deep late in Game 1. If New York can’t close out faster or run them off the line, they’re in trouble.
- Bench Minutes: Indiana’s second unit changed the game. New York’s reserves need to contribute more—if Towns or Brunson sit early with fouls or fatigue, this will matter.
Game 2 Outlook: Expect Fireworks at the Garden
Indiana didn’t get lucky with Game 1–they earned it. New York had control and let it slip away. They had a double-digit lead that disappeared, and just couldn’t find their footing down the stretch. If they don’t get it together, they could be down 0-2.
Game 1 Recap:
- Indiana surged behind Nesmith’s perimeter shooting and Haliburton’s hand in overtime
- Brunson dropped 43, but New York’s defense couldn’t contain the perimeter or protect key possessions.
Game 2 Keys:
- The Knicks need a lot more from their bench and better decision-making when things get close.
- The Pacers should keep spreading the floor and attacking the gaps in New York’s coverage.
Final Score Prediction: Knicks 116 – Pacers 113
New York doesn’t need to make any huge changes; they just need better execution and some help around Brunson. Towns still has a mismatch inside, and playing in front of their own crowd should keep them humming when the pressure is on. Indiana will hang around with movement and perimeter shooting, but this spot favors the Knicks before the series goes to Indiana.
- Confidence Level: Moderate. Both offenses are doing the work, and the margin will likely be close, but the Knicks have enough to stand their ground.
Best Value Bets Recap
- Pacers +5.5 feels like the best side—Indiana’s offense can keep it close.
- The over’s still in play with how both teams are scoring.
- Player props worth a look: Towns to hit his scoring line again, and Haliburton to rack up points and assists.
Where to Bet Tonight’s Game
Want to bet on the Pacers vs. Knicks game? We have reviewed sportsbook after sportsbook, and you can bet on this game (or any other game) on one of our picks for the best sports betting sites!
