The New York Knicks had Game 1 wrapped up until they didn’t. An epic collapse and an underwhelming overtime period led the Knicks to a Game 1 loss at home against the Indiana Pacers. Now, the Knicks really can’t afford a Game 2 loss at Madison Square Garden.
For most of the game, the Knicks outplayed the Pacers. They even went on a run without Jalen Brunson on the court. But somehow the Pacers found a way to win late in the game. It’ll end as one of the most improbable, epic comebacks in the history of the NBA.
But that game is over. What matters now is how the Knicks respond in Game 2 tonight. So let’s give it a closer look before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice.
Picks Summary
- Knicks -6 (-110)
- Under 225 (-115)
- T.J. McConnell Over 12.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-130)
*All odds from Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
Friday, May 23, 2025 – 08:00 PM EDT at Madison Square Garden
The AI Model expects the Knicks to win, 115-108, in tonight’s showdown. Since the Knicks are -6, the AI Model fully expects the Knicks to cover the spread and win this game outright. It also believes the Under 225 is the plate, since the expected score is 115-108.
Plus, if you’re looking for a player prop, T.J. McConnell is expected to add 16.54 points + rebounds + assists per the AI Model. Yet, his prop is at 12.5 at -130. That’s a steal according to the model.The Knicks Were The Better Team!
The New York Knicks were the better team for most of Game 1. Maybe the Knicks were worn down in the end, but Aaron Nesmith’s prime shooting carried the Pacers past the Knicks. The Knicks lost because Tyrese Haliburton hit a circus shot that hit the back of the rim and went above the shot clock, only to fall right into the hoop. Mysterious things happen in the NBA Playoffs. Ultimately, the Knicks found themselves up as many as 17. They were also up by double digits with very little time left. Don’t expect Nesmith to shoot lights out again. Don’t expect Haliburton to hit a circus shot like that again. On the other hand, the Knicks were greedy late in the game. Instead of holding onto the basketball, Jalen Brunson tried to score an easy bucket with the shot clock at 22 and 33 seconds left. The ball was turned over late in the fourth quarter, eventually leading to the Pacers’ comeback. The Knicks will play a lot smarter and learn from their mistakes down the stretch.An Emphasis On Defense!
The Knicks must emphasize defense. They were fine until the Pacers hit wild shots. But New York, even allowing Nesmith to get shots off, was not a good look. The Knicks know exactly what they’ve got to do in Game 2. The Pacers have the best effective field goal percentage in the NBA Playoffs. Therefore, the Knicks must make the Pacers uncomfortable and continue to force bad shots at home. Meanwhile, the Knicks have a 51.8% effective field goal percentage. They’re not an elite offense, especially in the playoffs. For the Knicks to win, they must create offense using defense. The Pacers love a fast-paced, high-scoring game. But the Knicks must set the tone and limit turnovers against the Pacers so that doesn’t happen. If they can do that, this game should get Under 225.McConnell Does The Little Things!
T.J. McConnell knows his assignment. He will be a defensive pest and make the right play on offense. He’s always been the underdog and the guy that many teams passed on. But he’s proved to be a solid role player for the Pacers over the last couple of seasons. McConnell recorded 16 points + rebounds + assists for the Pacers in Game 1 of this series. He’s also hit this line in three of his last four games, dating back to the playoff games against the Cavaliers. McConnell won’t get a ton of minutes. He’ll likely see below 15 minutes in this game. However, against the Knicks, for example, in 14.1 minutes, he still saw 11 rebound chances and five potential assists. His usage was also up to 37.1% when he was on the floor. When McConnell’s name is called, he will make an impact. Take his Over here.The Picks
- Knicks -6 (-110)
- Under 225 (-115)
- T.J. McConnell Over 12.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-130)
