Game Details:
Matchup: Pacers vs. Knicks
Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
Betting Line: Knicks -3.5 | Over/Under: 221.5
Key Storylines
Game 2 of a Tight Eastern Conference Series
The Knicks and Pacers rekindle their classic rivalry in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. After a thrilling Game 1 that saw the Knicks edge out a 104-101 win, the pressure is on Indiana to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole. Both teams are playing intense, physical basketball emblematic of playoff battles in the East.
Knicks’ Defensive Dominance
The Knicks have maintained their identity as one of the NBA’s best defensive teams, suffocating the Pacers late in Game 1. Led by OG Anunoby and Josh Hart on the wings, along with Isaiah Hartenstein anchoring the paint, New York’s physicality is proving difficult for Indiana’s guards to navigate.
Haliburton’s Quiet Game 1
All eyes will be on Tyrese Haliburton after a subpar performance in the series opener. He scored just 11 points and struggled to create efficient looks. The Pacers will need a bounce-back showing from their All-Star guard to even the series.
Injury Report
Pacers:
Out: Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder)
Questionable: Aaron Nesmith (ankle)
Knicks:
Out: Julius Randle (shoulder), Mitchell Robinson (ankle)
Questionable: OG Anunoby (hamstring)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS):
Pacers: 38-30-4 ATS this season
Knicks: 41-31-1 ATS this season
Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone under in six of the last eight Knicks games
The total has gone over in five of Indiana’s last seven playoff games
Player Props to Watch
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 27.5
Brunson has scored over 30 points in five straight postseason games — betting the over on his points prop continues to look enticing. - Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Assists Total: 8.5
If Haliburton can bounce back, expect him to create more for his teammates. The over could be good value here.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Knicks -3.5 → Madison Square Garden remains one of the toughest places to play in the postseason. Expect the Knicks to take full advantage at home.
Total: Under 221.5 → With both defenses tightening up and pace slowing in the postseason, this game could be another grind.
Player Prop: Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 points → He’s been the Knicks’ offensive engine and continues to step up in clutch moments.
Unless the Pacers unlock something offensively, this series could start to tilt heavily in New York’s favor. Expect a defensive battle with the Knicks taking a 2-0 series lead.
Final Score Prediction: Knicks 107, Pacers 99