The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks will meet at Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Fans can catch the action on TNT.
The Pacers come into this series with an 8-2 record in the playoffs. They recently defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals. In their last game, Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points, helping the Pacers win by 9 points.
The Knicks have an 8-4 playoff record. They secured their spot in the finals by beating the Boston Celtics. In their most recent game, they won by 38 points, with OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson each scoring 23 points.
Knicks Preview
The New York Knicks are playing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA Playoffs. They have a postseason record of 8-4. Their home record in the playoffs is 3-3. The team is led by head coach Tom Thibodeau.
In the regular season, the Knicks had a record of 51-31. They ranked 3rd in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Atlantic Division. Their home record was 27-14. Over the last 10 games of the regular season, they went 6-4.
Jalen Brunson has been a key player for the Knicks in the postseason. He averages 28.8 points per game, ranking 3rd in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns is another standout, with 19.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Josh Hart contributes with 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
The Knicks’ offense scores 106.8 points per game, ranking 8th in the league. They attempt 87 field goals per game, with a shooting percentage of 44.4%. Defensively, they allow 105.9 points per game, ranking 6th in the league. They excel in limiting opponents’ field goal percentage to 43.6%.
Pacers Preview
The home team is not specified in the provided data. However, the Indiana Pacers are playing Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. They have a strong postseason record of 8-2. Their performance at home and away is consistent, with a 4-1 record in both scenarios.
In the regular season, the Pacers had a record of 50-32. They ranked 4th in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Central Division. Their home record was 29-12, showing they play well on their court. The team has been performing well in their last 10 games, with an 8-2 record.
Offensively, the Pacers score an average of 117.7 points per game, ranking 2nd in the league. They lead in field goal percentage at 50.1% and effective field goal percentage at 58.4%. They also rank 1st in assists per game with 29.7, showing strong teamwork.
Defensively, the Pacers allow 112.2 points per game, placing them 14th in the league. They are strong in limiting opponents’ field goal percentage, ranking 6th at 44.0%. Their ability to defend the three-point line is notable, allowing a 33.6% success rate, which ranks 6th.
Statistical Breakdown for Knicks vs Pacers
The game between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers will be shaped by key stats. The Knicks’ defense is strong, allowing just 105.9 points per game, while the Pacers’ offense is powerful, scoring 117.7 points per game. The Knicks excel in limiting opponents’ field goal percentage, but the Pacers lead the league in shooting accuracy. Rebounding and assists will also play a role, with the Pacers leading in assists and the Knicks having a slight edge in rebounding.
- Knicks Points Per Game: 106.8 (8th)
- Pacers Points Per Game: 117.7 (2nd)
- Knicks Points Allowed Per Game: 105.9 (6th)
- Pacers Points Allowed Per Game: 112.2 (14th)
- Knicks Field Goal Percentage: 44.4% (13th)
- Pacers Field Goal Percentage: 50.1% (1st)
- Knicks Rebounds Per Game: 43.0 (10th)
- Pacers Rebounds Per Game: 41.5 (14th)
- Knicks Assists Per Game: 20.0 (16th)
- Pacers Assists Per Game: 29.7 (1st)
Betting Insights
The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are set to meet, with both teams showing strong performances against the spread (ATS) in the postseason. The Pacers have a 7-3 ATS record, while the Knicks stand at 8-4. Both teams have been effective on the road, with the Pacers at 4-1 and the Knicks at 5-1. These trends provide valuable insights for bettors looking to make informed decisions. Below are the top five betting trends for this game.
- The Knicks have a strong road ATS record in the postseason at 5-1.
- The Pacers have a solid ATS record as underdogs in the postseason at 5-2.
- The Pacers have covered in 7 out of 10 postseason games.
- The Knicks have covered in 8 out of 12 postseason games.
- The Pacers have a better road ATS record in the regular season at 16-13.
Free Betting Prediction for Knicks vs Pacers
The game between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers is set to be a competitive one. The Knicks have shown strong defense, allowing only 105.9 points per game. Their ability to limit opponents’ field goal percentage could be key in this game. Jalen Brunson’s scoring will also play a big role for the Knicks.
The Pacers, on the other hand, have a high-scoring offense, averaging 117.7 points per game. Their shooting accuracy is the best in the league. The Pacers’ teamwork is evident in their league-leading assists per game. This could help them break through the Knicks’ defense.
Considering both teams’ strengths, the game could be close. The Knicks’ defense and home advantage might give them a slight edge. However, the Pacers’ strong offensive play and consistent performance on the road make them a tough opponent. This game could go either way, but the Knicks might have a slight advantage.
- Our Free Prediction: Knicks -4.5
