Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 1 Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks (May 21)
- Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1 Odds favor New York at -175.
- Indiana Pacers score 117.7 points in the playoffs, the second-most in the NBA.
- The Knicks allowed 105.9 points during their playoff run.
Pacers and Knicks in the East Finals is something we haven’t seen in 25 years. That’s also how long we haven’t seen the Knicks at this stage of the playoffs.
Check out: Europa League: Tottenham vs. Manchester United Preview, Odds, Predictions (May 21)
How to Watch
- When: Wednesday, May 21, 8 pm ET
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
- How to Watch: TNT
Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1 Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | +150 | +4.5 | 220.5 |
| Knicks | -175 | -4.5 | 220.5 |
Game Preview
The Pacers had more time to rest than the Knicks and prepare for this matchup. After beating the Bucks in five games, they did the same to the Cavaliers. In all but one win over Cleveland, Indiana scored 120 or more points.
This team has four players with 14 or more points per game in the playoffs, with Pascal Siakam leading the way with 18.8 buckets. The Pacers score 117.7 points in the postseason, which is the second-most of all teams.
The euphoria in New York is massive, and we can’t explain how crazy the city was after the Knicks beat Boston in Game 6. Brunson and the boys play tough and robust defense, allowing only 105.8 buckets.
Karl-Anthony Towns averages 19.8 points in the playoffs, yet with 11.3 points. Jalen Brunson is by far the top scorer with 28.8 points and 7.7 assists.
Pacers vs. Knicks Head to Head
The Knicks aren’t a match for Indiana, as they won two of three regular-season games, limiting the Pacers to just 33.7 boards per game.
Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1 Predictions
Indiana comes to New York to impose a high-paced basketball, and we do think that the Knicks will accept this. Their defense in the playoffs was impeccable, but don’t forget that during the regular season, Thibodeau’s unit played high-efficiency basketball. That’s why we take Over 222.5 points for Game 1 pick.
- Free NBA picks: Over 222.5 points
