Back
NBA Playoffs: Betting Insights Wednesday 21st May
Historically, the Knicks have excelled at home, with a 27–14 record at Madison Square Garden this season. Our projections give them the edge with a 58% chance to win Game 1. The outcome may hinge on the Knicks' ability to contain Haliburton and the Pacers' bench productivity, which has been a consistent strength throughout the playoffs.
by Malachi
INDIANA PACERS @ NEW YORK KNICKS
Player News
Out: N/a
Questionable: N/a
Market
Opening: -4 NYK / 222.5
Current: -4.5 NYK / 224
Analysis
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers renew their storied playoff rivalry in the Eastern Conference Finals, beginning Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. This marks their ninth postseason meeting, with the Pacers holding a 5–3 series advantage. The Knicks, seeking their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, aim to avenge last year's seven-game semifinal loss to Indiana .
In the 2024 playoffs, the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in a decisive Game 7, capitalizing on New York's injury woes, including Jalen Brunson's broken hand. This season, both teams have bolstered their rosters, with the Knicks adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, while the Pacers have seen significant contributions from Bennedict Mathurin and improved defensive metrics, rising from 24th to 14th in defensive rating .
The Knicks' offense is spearheaded by Brunson, who has consistently delivered high-scoring performances, and Towns, who recently posted a 40-point game against Indiana. Their defense, coordinated by OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, has been instrumental in their playoff run. The Pacers counter with Tyrese Haliburton's playmaking and Pascal Siakam's versatility, aiming to exploit mismatches and maintain offensive fluidity.
Historically, the Knicks have excelled at home, with a 27–14 record at Madison Square Garden this season. Our projections give them the edge with a 58% chance to win Game 1. The outcome may hinge on the Knicks' ability to contain Haliburton and the Pacers' bench productivity, which has been a consistent strength throughout the playoffs.