The New York Knicks held off elimination for another day, beating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Now, though, the series is headed back to Indiana, where the Pacers are favored. If the Knicks get a win, Game 7 will head back to New York on Monday.
Will the Pacers finish things off? Or will the Knicks force a massive Game 7 in New York?
Let’s check it out.
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Knicks vs Pacers betting preview
Holding a 3-2 lead, the Pacers took the loss in Game 5. Putting up just 94 points, the Pacers saw just three players record double-digit points, including Pascal Siakam (15), Bennedict Mathurin (23), and Obi Toppin (11). Tyrese Haliburton had a triple-double in Game 4 but had just eight points, six assists, and two rebounds in Game 5.
As a team, the Pacers shot 40.5% from the floor (30 of 74), including 33.3% from 3-point range (10 of 30). They shot OK from the free-throw line at 82.8% (24 of 29). They were pulverized in the paint, though. The Knicks outscored them 60-34. The Pacers also had 20 turnovers.
As for the Knicks, they were in control all game long. They outscored the Pacers in each quarter before tying the Pacers 21-21 in the fourth. The Knicks shot 49.4% from the floor (44 of 89) but didn’t perform too well from beyond the arc (8 of 29; 27.6%). The Knicks had more rebounds, assists, and steals than Indiana.
Five players recorded double-digit points, including Karl-Anthony Towns (24), Mikal Bridges (12), Jalen Brunson (32), and Josh Hart (12). Speaking of Towns, he went into this game listed as questionable but suited up, played 36 minutes, and had 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Now, both teams head back to Indiana. Two games have been played there, and the Pacers are averaging 115 points to the Knicks’ 113.5.
Knicks vs Pacers odds
Below are the odds for this matchup, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Spread: Indiana Pacers (-3.5, -114); New York Knicks (+3.5, -106).
- Moneyline: Indiana Pacers (-178); New York Knicks (+150).
- Total: Over 218 (-112); Under 218 (-108)
Knicks vs Pacers analysis
In Game 6, we’re headed back to Indiana. The Pacers are shooting just under 40% from beyond the arc this postseason, which leads the NBA. After a massive offensive performance in Game 4, the Pacers were primed for a letdown spot on the road. Haliburton had a massive disparity in production from Game 4 to Game 5.
The Knicks will have great players in Towns and Brunson, but they didn’t shoot well from beyond the arc or from the free-throw line (15 of 22; 68.2%).
Before Game 5, the Knicks had more turnovers than the Pacers in each game.
Knicks vs Pacers picks
I’m going with the Pacers here. I’m not discouraged by the Game 5 performance. It makes sense to be a bit tired after putting up 130 in Game 4, traveling, and playing two days later.
Back at home, the Pacers will deliver and get it done. The Knicks defense hasn’t so much beaten up on the Pacers throughout this series. They improved in Game 5, but there hasn’t been consistency.
I expect the Pacers to get back to their usual form—more possessions, more shots, and fewer turnovers.
This series is over. Get ready for the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pick Pacers -3.5 (-114) at FanDuel
Knicks vs Pacers Game Info
- Who: Knicks vs Pacers
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianpolis, Indiana
- Where to watch: TNT, truTV, and MAX
About the author
Richard Janvrin
Richard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.
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