NBA Playoffs Game 1 Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-21-25

The Eastern Conference Finals tip off tomorrow night as the New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. This matchup rekindles a storied rivalry, with both teams bringing distinct styles and strengths to the court.

Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks

• Point Spread: Knicks -4.5
• Moneyline Pacers +162
• Moneyline Knicks -194
• Over/Under 223.5

Key Matchups

• Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton: Brunson, the Knicks’ floor general, has been instrumental in their playoff run, averaging 26.3 points per game. Haliburton, leading the Pacers with 17.8 points and 8.5 assists per game, will be pivotal in orchestrating Indiana’s offense.

• Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Myles Turner: Towns’ versatility and scoring ability (24.0 PPG) will challenge Turner’s defensive prowess. Turner, averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, will need to anchor the Pacers’ interior defense effectively.

Team Strategies

• Knicks: Under Coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks emphasize a methodical pace and strong defense. Their ability to control the tempo and capitalize on second-chance opportunities will be crucial.

• Pacers: Coach Rick Carlisle’s squad thrives on a fast-paced offense, leading the league in transition plays. Their depth allows for sustained energy, which they’ll aim to leverage against the Knicks’ shorter rotation.

Pacers vs Knicks Moneyline

Money line is out here I like the Pacers and the points on the road. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet Pacers +4.5

• Rebounds to be key
• Turnovers to be key
• Knicks at Home

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!

Open DraftKings

The best NBA betting sites

To satisfy the ever-growing market of NBA bettors, the best basketball sportsbooks offer unique user experiences, huge payouts, and fantastic bonuses. Gamers no longer have to go to casinos to find some physical action. Online bookies let you play the game of risk from the comfort of your own home. We hope our guide can point you in the right direction so you can find the best gambling experiences on the internet.

Best Brand

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Best Slots

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Newcomer

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Award

Caesars Promo

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

–

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Pacers vs Knicks Over/Under 215.5

With both teams possessing strong offenses and they can score points in bunches, with that being said I am taking the over.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Bet the Over 223.5

• Brunson to play well
• Interior will decide the game
• Knicks at Home

New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!

Open DraftKings

Both teams are hot and the Knicks have homecourt advantage. Game one promises to be a tight game with both teams feeling each other out. Expect a close game thats a tossup, so I like the +4.5 and the Pacers in this one.

Bet Pacers +4.5