Game Details:
Matchup: Pacers vs. Knicks
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Betting Line: Knicks -3.5 | Over/Under: 218.5
Key Storylines
Eastern Conference Showdown: The Knicks and Pacers meet in a pivotal playoff matchup with the series hanging in the balance. With both teams showing flashes of dominance, tonight’s game could be a turning point in this postseason clash.
Knicks’ Home-Court Edge: The Knicks have been dominant at Madison Square Garden throughout the season and playoffs, posting a 30-11 record at home. They’ll look to feed off the crowd energy in their most important game yet.
Pacers’ High-Powered Offense: The Pacers continue to showcase their fast-paced, high-scoring attack led by Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana ranks second in playoff points per game (116.3) and will aim to outgun the Knicks’ defensive identity.
Injury Report
Knicks:
Out: Julius Randle (shoulder), Mitchell Robinson (ankle)
Questionable: OG Anunoby (hamstring)
Pacers:
Questionable: Bennedict Mathurin (back)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS):
Pacers: 45-39-1 ATS this season
Knicks: 44-38-3 ATS this season
Over/Under Trends:
Total has gone over in 5 of the Pacers’ last 7 games
Total has gone under in 4 of the Knicks’ last 6 home games
Player Props to Watch
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Assists Total: 9.5
Haliburton has averaged 10.2 assists per game in the playoffs. With the Knicks focusing heavily on stopping his scoring, the over on assists is worth a look.
Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 28.5
Brunson has carried the scoring load for New York, averaging 29.8 points in the postseason. He’ll be vital if the Knicks hope to keep pace with Indiana’s offense.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Knicks -3.5 → The home-court edge is crucial in tightly contested playoff matchups, and New York thrives in front of their crowd.
Total: Over 218.5 → Indiana’s up-tempo style and the Knicks’ recent uptick in offensive efficiency could push this total over the line.
Player Prop: Jalen Brunson Over 28.5 Points → With playoff stakes rising, expect Brunson to embrace the moment once again at MSG.
Final Score Prediction: Knicks 114, Pacers 109