New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Predictions, Odds, Bets & Player Props ECF Game 2- 05/23/2025

On Friday, 05/23, the New York Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers completed an amazing come-from-behind 3-point win (138-135) in Game 1 to take a 1-0 lead. Can the Knicks forget their late-game errors from the previous game and find their feet? Find the total, spread, and player props predictions here.

Where to Watch New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 2

Time: 8:00 PM (ET)
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York City, NY)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass. it can be viewed on TNT too.

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 2 Lineups, Sneak Peek

Indiana “Can’t leave us behind” Pacers

Indiana became the first team to erase a 14-point deficit with under three minutes to win a playoff game. It was the third time in the playoffs when the team had trailed by 7 points or so but had completed a come-from-behind win.

Their ace Tyrese Haliburton was once again making key shots, as evident by his difficult game-tying shot to send the Game into overtime. At the same time, the credit also belongs to the overall scoring balance and to Nesmith, who nailed 8 long-range shots.

Aaron Nemsith and Haliburton combined for 61 points. Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam figured in the 14-17 points range. The Knicks also enjoyed a superb scoring night. Jalen Brunson continued his awesome form with 43 points while Karl-Anthony Towns rose for 35 points.

Both teams kept it close till the end of the third quarter. But then Knicks extended their lead to 17 points by the midway point of the fourth quarter. However, the Pacers didn’t give up.

They completed one of the, if not the best, comebacks the league has ever seen. The Knicks coughed up a golden chance to get their noses ahead and will rue their defensive mistakes late in the game. Would this cost them the series? Too early to say because they are a resilient bunch, too.

Knicks Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: OG Anunoby | SF: Mikal Bridges | C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Key bench players: SG: Miles McBride, C: Mitchell Robinson, PG: Cameron Payne.

Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report

Pacers Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Tyrese Haliburton | SG: Andrew Nembhard | SF: Aaron Nesmith | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner

Key bench players: SG: Benedict Mathurin, PF: Obi Toppin, C: Thomas Bryant, PG: T.J. McConnell

Injuries/Updates: Jayson Tatum is OUT for the playoffs.

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Total Over/Under Prediction- NBA Best Bets

The first game accounted for a mind-boggling 273 points. Even if we remove the OT period, its regulation period yielded 250. It was way over the bookmakers’ estimation of 221-222 points.

The Pacers-centric games usually scale past 230, so it wasn’t a surprise. The game also reflected both teams’ offensive depth. As a result, the bookmakers have adjusted the overall total to 225-226.

I went for “Under” last time, and still believe that there is a chance for a low-scorer. However, going for “Under” can be a big risk, as evidenced by the last game. I’ll still stick to it and see a much more defense-oriented match in Game 2.

Total Under 224.5 for +100 at BetMGM
Pacers: Points Under 109.5 for -110 at BetMGM

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Player Props Predictions- NBA Betting Picks

Jalen Brunson to score over 29.5 points: The Pacers allow the opposition’s leading scorer to have a big night, as evidenced by Brunson’s 43-point night in Game 1. I believe he will score 30+ again.

Karl-Anthony Towns to pull down over 11.5 rebounds: Towns was on fire on the rebounding end in Game 1, as he pulled down 12 rebounds, continuing his form from the previous series, when he averaged over 12 RPG. I see him collecting 12 or more here.

Aaron Nesmith to make over 2.5 three-pointers: The Pacers forward nailed 8 triples in Game 1, the highest mark of his playoff career. He averaged 2.6 triples per game in the last series, and I see him going “over” the mark again.

Main pick: Three-Pointers: Aaron Nesmith O 2.5: +140 at Fanduel

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New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 2 Prediction- NBA Betting Lines

The Knicks must be mad at themselves after squandering an obvious win in Game 1. It can affect their confidence while giving a further boost to Indiana. But I see an opposite effect, I believe the Knicks are in for an almost wire-to-wire win here.

I believe their defense will be tenfold better here than in Game 1. I see them covering the spread this time.

Betting Lines–

Spread: Knicks -5.5: -118. Pacers +5.5: -104 (FanDuel)
Total: 225.5: O: -110. U: -110 (BetMGM)
Player Props: Tyrese Haliburton: Assists: 9.5. O: -110. U: -110.

Safe Spread Pick: Spread: Knicks -5.5 for -120 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesPhoto Credit:

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!