New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers
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Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1 Preview, Betting Trends, And Prediction
The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals tip-off tonight with the New York Knicks hosting the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
This clash between the No. 3 Knicks and the No. 4 Pacers promises to deliver a thrilling series as two of the league’s most balanced teams seek a coveted spot in the NBA Finals.
Both franchises enter Game 1 with significant momentum.
The Knicks stunned the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games, bolstered by the outstanding postseason play of Jalen Brunson and the addition of All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Meanwhile, the Pacers cruised past the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, thanks to the leadership of Tyrese Haliburton and the clutch performances of Pascal Siakam.
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Key Storylines and Matchups:
1. Knicks’ Home-Court Advantage: The Knicks hold home-court advantage in this series, an edge they’ll need to capitalize on. Throughout the playoffs, Madison Square Garden has been a fortress, with the Knicks thriving off the energy provided by their passionate fanbase. However, the Pacers have proven to be formidable as road warriors, boasting a 4-1 record away from home this postseason.
2. Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton: All eyes will be on the elite point guard duel between New York’s Jalen Brunson and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton. Brunson, averaging 28.8 points per game in the playoffs, will look to exploit Indiana’s defense with his pick-and-roll proficiency. Haliburton, on the other hand, has been the Pacers’ engine, averaging 17.5 points and 9.3 assists per game while consistently delivering in crunch time.
3. Battle in the Paint:
The matchup between New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Indiana’s Myles Turner will be pivotal. Towns is a force on the glass and in the post, but Turner’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting adds a unique wrinkle. Turner’s pick-and-pop game could test the Knicks’ defense, which struggled against opposing bigs in the regular season.
4. Fourth-Quarter Execution: The Pacers’ late-game dominance has been one of their defining traits, as they lead all playoff teams with a +2.0 fourth-quarter margin. Indiana thrives in clutch moments, shooting an impressive 49.8% from the field in final quarters during the postseason. Can the Knicks match their execution late in games?
Betting Trends:
The Knicks come into Game 1 as 4.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 224 points.
New York also holds -155 odds to win the series, according to DraftKings.
Across the postseason, Games involving both teams have trended toward higher scores, and many analysts are expecting another offensive showcase tonight.
For prop bets, Jalen Brunson’s points total (set at 28.5) and Myles Turner’s three-pointers made (set at 1.5) are among the most intriguing lines.
Turner’s shooting from beyond the arc has been critical to Indiana’s success, while Brunson’s ability to lead the Knicks’ offense will likely dictate their chances to open the series strong.
Prediction
Game 1 sets the stage for what could be an extended series.
While the Knicks have the talent and home-court advantage to set the tone early, the Pacers’ resilience and clutch performances on the road make them a dangerous underdog.
Expect a tightly contested opener, with fourth-quarter execution playing a decisive role.
Take the Over 223.5.
Catch the broadcast tonight starting at 7:30 PM on 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan as the road to the NBA Finals officially begins.
Whether orange and blue or gold and navy bleeds brightest, this matchup is destined to be one to remember.
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