Event Details
- Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 8:00 EDT
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, USA
- Competition: NBA Playoff Game
Odds via 20Bet | |
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Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks | Saturday, May 31, 2025, 6:00 EDT |
New York Knicks Odds | +149 |
Indiana Pacers Odds | -169 |
Over\Under | Over 221.5: +102 |
Betting Bonus | Up to 100 $/€ |
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Preview
New York Knicks Team News
The New York Knicks somehow managed to hold on for one more game, taking home game 5, 111- 94 at home in Madison Square Garden, pushing them 1 game closer to the NBA finals.
They managed to slow down the game to their pace, as opposed to get pushed by Indiana, which completely flipped the game on its head. Without constant fast break plays, the Indiana offence seriously struggled down the stretch.
Jalen Brunson again had an excellent game, dropping 32 points on 66.7% from the field, 57.1% from 3, and 100% from the free-throw line. He didn’t chuck shots, he was precise like a surgeon.
needed it. GOT IT. pic.twitter.com/fwp57YHo5d
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 30, 2025
While that was going on, OG Anunoby showed why his minutes can be so impactful, with 3 steals, and some strong on-ball defence, that smothered the Pacers in the half-court.
Moreover, the combination of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson was just what the Knicks needed, shutting down everything on the inside while playing solid on-ball defence.
It really was an overall team effort, and unlike many other games in this series, the Knicks played 4 quarters of complete basketball, not falling apart in the third like they have in the past.
KAT in Game 5️⃣:
24 PTS | 13 REB | 3 AST pic.twitter.com/lut2bLkO9k
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 30, 2025
If the Knicks can manage to control the tempo of game 6 like they did at home in Madison Square Garden, they could walk away with this dub, pushing to game 7. However, I don’t think the Pacers are going to allow any easy buckets at home, which could be the end for their championship aspirations.
Indiana Pacers Team News
Indiana didn’t play like its normal selves in game 5, getting sucked into the Knicks’ tempo of play and making bad decisions offensively. Instead of pushing the ball as they saw fit, they were giving away far too many turnovers and getting stuck in the half-court, where the Knicks are the slightly stronger roster.
Following that magical game 4 performance, Tyrese Haliburton was super off in game 5, with a statline of 8 points on 28.6% from the floor. He was a liability on the floor, and without him taking much of the defender’s attention, guys like Pascal Siakam saw their numbers fall.
back to Indy for Game 6 on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/H6IEikaeGu
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 30, 2025
It really isnt fair to just blame Haliburton, though, as it was an overall sluggish night for the Pacers; nobody was in top shape.
However, we can’t forget that the Pacers lead 3-2 with the next game at home, and they should still be in a pretty good spot. As long as they can manage to cut down on those turnovers and use that length they’re so proud of, they should have the advantage.
Myles Turner is going to need to show up in a big way for game 6, as he was pretty useless on the offensive side of the ball. 3 blocks don’t mean much if you only have 5 points in 24 minutes.
Jarace Walker and Bennedict Mathurin go back-to-back from beyond the arc in the final minutes of the first half. pic.twitter.com/IdgSoPUPtq
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 30, 2025
Nonetheless, we agree with the bookmakers on this one, Indiana should be in top form for game 6 at home, and with the fans at their back, they should be able to lock in. We know they have the talent to go all the way this year; it’s just about execution.
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Prediction
- Pick: Indiana Pacers to win
- Odds: -169 (20Bet)
- Score prediction: Indiana Pacers 121 – 119 New York Knicks
Indiana may have taken quite the L in game 5, but they should have the upper hand at home for game 6. As we said, the biggest issue for the Pacers was how slow the pace of play got by the third and fourth quarters, with the Knicks digging their heels in, locking down on defence. They got pushed out of their comfort zones, and because of that, their numbers took a nose dive across the board.
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton should be able to shape up and lead this team to its first NBA finals in several decades. Playing in Madison Square Garden as the away team is always going to be tough.
T.J. McConnell three-ball 👌😏 pic.twitter.com/S42KzHO9gE
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 30, 2025
Haliburton doesn’t need to perform any miracles; he just needs to shape up and place that facilitator role, getting the guys involved and pushing the pace of play. If they can get the Knicks’ bigs running up and down the court, they won’t be able to set up for attacks and take advantage of their mismatches.
If they can do that, playing to their strengths, their lack of real size won’t be too much of a contributing factor. At that point, it will really come down to locking down Jalen Brunson’s shooting, as when he’s hot, he can completely change the direction of the game.
Myles Turner gets us going with the trey 💪 pic.twitter.com/r2dxGdsOBU
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 30, 2025
The Knicks definitely have a solid shot of grabbing this game and pushing it to 7, don’t get it twisted, but unless they start off strong and have 4 quarters of their best basketball, they’re going to be sinking fast. The big guys are going to need to put in work, along with guys like OG Anunoby keeping Haliburton under control.
We do have to agree with most sportsbooks this time around, the Knicks are at a disadvantage in game 6. As long as the Pacers play their own game and don’t get pulled down, they should be sitting pretty.
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Betting Tips
- Pick: Tyrese Haliburton to score 20.5 or more
- Odds: -117 (20Bet)
Tyrese Haliburton may not have had the best game of his career in game 5, but he should be able to shake it off at home. The pressure may be high, but it’s in the best way, which should be to boost he needs to play the way we know he can. He may not have a game 4 level performance, but 24.5 points or more is realistic.
- Pick: Pascal Siakam to score 20.5 or more
- Odds: -120 (20Bet)
Siakam was the only Pacer to really keep up the good work in game 5, although his points did drop slightly to 15. But as long as the guys like Haliburton and Turner can take a little bit of the focus off of him, grabbing 20.5 points along with 7+ rebounds wouldn’t be a stretch.
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Where to Watch (USA, Canada)
- NBA League Pass,ESPN+, Fubo (USA)
- TSN,Sportsnet (Canada)
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