Game Details:
Matchup: Pacers vs. Knicks
Date & Time: Friday, May 30, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Betting Line: Knicks -4.5 | Over/Under: 227.5
Key Storylines
Eastern Conference Rivals Clash Again
With the season winding down and playoff positioning on the line, the matchup between the Pacers and Knicks is a potential postseason preview. Sitting near the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, both teams are fighting for optimal seeding, making this late-May clash a significant one.
Pacers’ Offensive Firepower Meets Knicks’ Defensive Grit
The Pacers come into this game with one of the NBA’s most balanced offensive attacks. Led by Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, Indiana averages 116.3 PPG. However, their defense remains suspect, especially on the road, where they’ve allowed 114+ points in 7 of their last 10 away games.
Meanwhile, the Knicks continue to hang their hat on defense. Allowing just 109.4 PPG, they’ve made MSG a fortress. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle run the offense, but it’s the team’s ability to grind out stops that gives them their identity. They’ll look to slow down Indiana’s quick-tempo offense tonight.
Season Series on the Line
This is the fourth and final regular season meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks holding a 2-1 edge. Their last meeting, however, saw the Pacers cruise to a 119-104 home win, thanks to Haliburton’s 28-point, 12-assist performance. New York will be eager to get revenge on their home floor.
Injury Report
Pacers:
Out: Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder)
Questionable: Bruce Brown (ankle)
Knicks:
Out: Mitchell Robinson (ankle), OG Anunoby (hamstring)
Questionable: Julius Randle (knee)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS):
Pacers: 35-33 ATS this season
Knicks: 39-29 ATS this season
Over/Under Trends:
Total has gone over in 7 of the Pacers’ last 10 games
Total has gone under in 6 of the Knicks’ last 9 home games
Player Prop to Watch
Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 24.5
Brunson has scored 25+ in 4 of his last 6 games and should be heavily involved against a vulnerable Pacers defense. If Randle sits, look for Brunson’s usage rate to surge.
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) – Assists Total: 9.5
Haliburton has averaged 10.8 assists against the Knicks this season. With Indiana likely to push the pace, the over on his assists looks promising.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread: Knicks -4.5 → Home-court advantage and better defense give New York the edge.
Total: Under 227.5 → Expect the Knicks to dictate pace and keep the score controlled.
Player Prop: Jalen Brunson Over 24.5 points → He thrives at MSG and should take the offensive lead, especially if Randle is limited or out.
This game promises playoff intensity, but the Knicks’ home defense and battle-tested lineup make them the safer pick. The Pacers will make it competitive, but New York should seal it late.
Final Score Prediction: Knicks 112, Pacers 106