The New York Knicks secured a crucial victory 121-117 victory in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series with the Indiana Pacers. Jalen Brunson was instrumental in this win, especially with his impressive 21-point performance in the fourth quarter that played a decisive role in sealing the game for the Knicks. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly, although it wasn’t enough to overcome New York in the closing stages.
As the series moves to Game 2 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, the atmosphere is expected to be electric once again. The Knicks will look to build on their home-court advantage and take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Pacers, on the other hand, will aim to adjust and bounce back, leveraging Turner’s scoring and looking for more contributors to step up. This game will be crucial for both teams, as the Knicks aim to solidify their lead and the Pacers seek to even the series before heading back to Indiana.
Bet on Pacers vs. Knicks
NYK -4.5
IND +4.5
Let’s look at the best betting odds available on both teams for this upcoming matchup:
Pacers vs. Knicks best odds
| Pacers Moneyline Odds | +167 @ Betano |
| Knicks Moneyline Odds | Knicks -175 @ Sports Interaction |
| Over/Under | Over 220.5 points (-105) @ Bet99 Under 220 points (-110) @ PointsBet |
| Spread | Knicks -4.5 (-106) @ Pinnacle Pacers +4.5 (-104) @ Pinnacle |
| Series odds: | Knicks -370, Pacers +290 (bet365) |
| Time/Date | May 8, 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: TSN1 Stream: NBA League Pass (How to watch the NBA in Canada?) |
About the Pacers (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS, 5-2 o/u)
The Pacers faced a tough loss in Game 1 against the New York Knicks, with a few crucial calls not going their way toward the end of the game. Turner’s team-leading scoring effort and Pascal Siakam’s strong second-half performance, which contributed to his total of 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists, were notable. T.J. McConnell also stepped up significantly with 18 points, offering valuable support.
However, Tyrese Haliburton’s limited offensive contribution is a point of concern. Despite his eight assists, scoring only six points and not attempting any shots in the crucial final quarter when he played a substantial nine minutes highlights a potential area for adjustment. For the Pacers to bounce back in Game 2, Haliburton must take on a more aggressive scoring role, particularly in tight game situations. Additionally, the Pacers will need to devise a strategy to contain Brunson, who proved to be a major threat in the fourth quarter of Game 1. Limiting Brunson’s scoring ability and making strategic defensive adjustments will be key to their success in the upcoming games.
About the Knicks (5-2 SU, 3-4 ATS, 5-2 o/u)
The Knicks secured a pivotal Game 1 victory with a stellar performance from Brunson, who scored 43 points alongside six rebounds and six assists. However, the win was a comprehensive team effort. Josh Hart contributed significantly with 24 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and a block, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. Donte DiVincenzo added a sharpshooting dimension, scoring 25 points, which included five threes, further supporting the Knicks’ offence. O.G. Anunoby’s defensive prowess in the fourth quarter, highlighted by crucial steals, also played a key role in clinching the win.
Looking ahead to Game 2, the Knicks will need to continue their strategic defensive approach, especially against key Pacers players like Haliburton and Siakam. By applying consistent pressure and denying them easy shots, New York can disrupt Indiana’s offensive flow. Furthermore, finding an effective strategy to contain Turner, who posed a significant threat in Game 1, will be crucial. Adjusting their defensive matchups or schemes to better manage Turner’s scoring and presence in the paint could be key to maintaining their series lead.
Jalen Brunson over 37.5 points
+102
Injury concerns
- Julius Randle (shoulder) has been ruled out for the season.
- Bojan Bogdanovic (foot) has been ruled out for the season.
- Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) has been ruled out for the season.
NBA Betting trends
- The over is 5-1 in Indiana’s last six games.
- The over is 4-1 in New York’s last five games.
- New York is just 1-3 ATS in four home playoff games this year.
NBA player prop trends
- Brunson has recorded over 37.5 points in his last five games in the playoffs. He’s averaging 42 points per game during this span. His line is at +102 (DraftKings) to record over 37.5 points against the Pacers.
- Siakam has recorded under 19.5 points in his last five games. He’s averaging 16 points per game in this stretch. His line is at -115 (PointsBet) to record under 20.5 points against the Knicks.
- Anunoby has recorded over 1.5 threes in four of his last five playoff games. His line is at -139 (NorthStar Bets) to record over 1.5 threes against the Pacers.
Pacers vs. Knicks predictions
- Brunson over 37.5 points: +102 (DraftKings). Brunson has been on a tear lately in the playoffs and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. The Pacers have no one who can stop Brunson as Andrew Nembhard and Haliburton need to be better at defence to do the job.
- Over 220.5 total points: -105 (Bet99). The game went well over 220.5 points in Game 1 and expect the same kind of production from both teams in Game 2.
