NBA Playoff Game 1 Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 5/06/24

On Monday night in New York City, the Pacers and Knicks will begin the Eastern Conference Semifinals by facing each other for the right to play in the Eastern Conference Finals – Indiana overcame the Milwaukee Bucks 4 games to 2, winning game six 120-98 to advance. On the same night New York outlasted the Sixers by outlasting them 118-115 to earn their position here.

This series brings back the good old days between two rivals that set off some of the greatest playoff memories in NBA history. Reggie Miller shutting up Spike Lee, Miller going off at the end of game one in 1995 and Larry johnson’s 4-point play.

Pacers vs Knicks

• Spread: Knicks -6
• Moneyline Pacers +188
• Moneyline Knicks -225
• Over/Under 217.5

These odds were updated at 6 pm EST on 05/05/24, coming from Draft Kings.

Our Best Pick: Pacers to Cover

These teams met three times during the regular season, and Indiana won two out of the three meetings SU and ATS. The last time these teams met in Madison Square Garden, the Pacers won 125-111. Both squads enter this series running about. Even though Indiana may have an edge on offense, the Knicks are the better defensive team. The Knicks beat a tough 76ers team in round one, while the Pacers were beating the Milwaukee Bucks. In all fairness, injuries destroyed the Bucks more than the Pacers did.

Even without power forward, Julius Randle present, New York is still playing big. Indiana should gain an advantage on the glass throughout this series; however, I believe Indiana has been sharper on offense this postseason and will neutralize their edge on that front at least in this opener. Madison Garden may be loud and intimidating at first, but Indiana can overcome that intimidation and deliver a solid performance – even if they don’t end up winning outright. Check out the latest Western Conference odds for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Pacers to Cover

• Pacers have advantage on offense
• Knicks to rely on defense
• Knicks have to win on the Glass

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Pacers vs Knicks Moneyline

Stay off the money line unless you think the Pacers will win. Taking the Knicks and giving six points seems a lot to me and the pacers +6 looks like the better bet. The Pacers are a young team and were terrible in Game One in Milwaukee, and that does concern me in this game. 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

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Pacers to Cover

• No Money line value on the Knicks
• Money line value for the Pacers
• Knicks more experience

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Pacers vs Knicks Over/Under Analysis

The Over/Under is 217.5 in this game. This is a tricky over/under, but I would lean towards the under the Pacers are young and I can envision a game where the Pacers struggle early and then gain some traction as the game moves along.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Under 217.5

• Odds favor game in the 90s to low 100s
• Knicks to control tempo
• Knicks should win

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Pacers vs Knicks Spread Analysis

The spread is a point or two high, which gives you more value when betting the Pacers. The Pacers, if they come out fast, could steal game one, but I do expect them to have some issues early. Game two is where I think a Pacers upset is more possible, but with that being said, I think the Pacers will make a late run to cover this spread.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Pacers to Cover

• Knicks will control tempo
• Knicks Home Court Advanatage
• Rebounding will be crucials

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Pacers vs Knicks Head-to-Head

The season series was one by the Pacers two games to one, and the last time these two teams played was in February when the Pacers handled the Knicks easily 125-111 at Madison Square Garden.. Check out our guide to betting on NBA Playoff Parlays.

Injuries and Suspensions

Pacers Injury Report

• Mauthrin- Out
• Haliburton- Questionable

Magic Injury Report

• Randall- Out
• Bogdanovich- Out

Conclusion

Look for the Knicks to jump out to an early lead against the Pacers. The Pacers’ inexperience will play a big part in game one until they get their feet wet. I look for the Pacers to start clicking in the second half and make a late charge, but ultimately coming up just short in Game One. Knicks 101  Pacers 98.