Knicks vs. Pacers Prediction: Game 1 NBA Eastern Conference Finals (May 21, 2025)

Get a full Knicks vs. Pacers prediction for NBA Conference finals with odds, key players, injury news, player props, parlay picks and our ClutchBuzz prediction.

The stage is set at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers tip off Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, May 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Knicks enter as 4.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 224, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams eye a spot in the NBA Finals.

New York has been battle-tested all postseason, while Indiana’s high-octane offense continues to fly under the radar. Get ready for a matchup loaded with firepower, strategy, and grit.

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📺 Where to Watch Knicks vs. Pacers? (May 21, 2025)

🧮 Knicks vs. Pacers Odds

🔥 Betting Trends

New York Knicks

• Knicks are 47-18 SU as favorites this season.
• 27-22-1 ATS as a favorite of 4.5+ points.
• The over has hit in 52% of Knicks games.
• Knicks average 115.8 PPG, allow 111.7 PPG (both 9th in NBA).
• NYK is 2-1 SU vs. Indiana this season.

Indiana Pacers

• Pacers are 15-17 SU as underdogs in 2024–25.
• 11-8 ATS when underdogs by +4.5 or more.
• The over has hit in 58 of 82 games.
• Indiana is 7th in scoring (117.4 PPG), 17th in defense (115.1 PPG).

📊 Recent Form (Last 10 Games)

🧠 Expert Prediction

This one is shaping up to be a fast-paced, offense-heavy showdown. The Pacers love to push the tempo with Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating, while the Knicks lean on Jalen Brunson’s scoring and Karl-Anthony Towns’ inside-out versatility. But make no mistake: defense will win this series.

Indiana’s lack of rim protection could be their Achilles heel in Game 1, especially against a Knicks team that crashes the boards and dominates the paint. Still, Indiana covers more often than not in this underdog range, and their offense can keep up if they limit turnovers.

Final Score Prediction: Knicks 116 – Pacers 113
🧾 ATS Pick: Pacers +4.5
💣 O/U Pick: Over 224
🔒 Moneyline Lean: Knicks ML (-180)

🏀 Key Matchups to Watch

⭐ Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton

• Brunson (26.0 PPG, 7.3 AST) is built for playoff moments.
• Haliburton (18.6 PPG, 9.2 AST) will need to control pace and limit TOs.

💪 Towns vs. Turner

• Towns leads NYK in both points and rebounds.
• Turner is shooting 39.6% from 3PT and is Indiana’s defensive anchor.

📈 Player Props to Watch

Prop Lean:

• ✅ Brunson Over 28.5 — He’s been red-hot and takes on the scoring load.
• ✅ Haliburton Over 3.0 3PM — The Pacers live and die by the 3.

💣 Same Game Parlay (SGP) 💵

Here’s a value-loaded 4-leg SGP to consider:

• ✅ Knicks ML
• ✅ Brunson Over 28.5 PTS
• ✅ Siakam Over 5.5 REB
• ✅ Total Points Over 224

💰 Odds: +675 (FanDuel SGP)

🧊 Injury Report

📌 Final Knicks vs. Pacers Prediction

Game 1 at the Garden is going to be a battle. The Knicks have the defense and experience, but the Pacers’ offensive rhythm and depth make them dangerous. We’re backing Indiana to keep it close and push the pace, even if New York walks away with the win.

📢 Best Bets:

• ✅ Pacers +4.5
• ✅ Over 224
• ✅ Brunson 30+ points (+115)