The renewed New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers rivalry continues to gain steam as they meet for the second straight postseason. Can the Knicks get revenge from last year?
Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Indiana Pacers (0-0)
Projected starting five:
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Andrew Nembhard
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
The Pacers arrive in New York brimming with confidence after dismantling the East’s top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in just five games. While they dropped two of three to the Knicks in the regular season (averaging 115.0 PPG), Indiana has looked like a different beast in the postseason.
Tyrese Haliburton remains the engine of Indy’s explosive offense, though he’ll need to find more scoring consistency against the Knicks’ tough perimeter defense. The Pacers’ frontcourt trio presents matchup nightmares – Myles Turner’s rare blend of rim protection and three-point shooting, Pascal Siakam’s two-way versatility, and Ben Mathurin’s microwave scoring ability. Indiana’s deep bench, featuring energizers TJ McConnell, Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard, gives them a potential advantage in what should be a fast-paced, physical series between two teams hungry for a Finals appearance.
This showdown features an intriguing contrast of styles – New York’s physical, defense-first approach against Indiana’s free-flowing offensive machine – with Game 1 setting the tone for what could be a classic Eastern Conference battle.
HOME: New York Knicks (2-0)
Projected starting five:
- Jalen Brunson
- OG Anunoby
- Josh Hart
- Mikal Bridges
- Karl-Anthony Towns
The Madison Square Garden crowd will be electric as the Knicks enter their first Conference Finals since 2000, fresh off a stunning second-round upset over the Boston Celtics. New York dominated the regular season series against Indiana, 2-1, averaging 124.0 points per game with an impressive +9.0 net rating.
The 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year Jalen Brunson has elevated his game to superstar status in these playoffs, leading the Knicks with 28.8 PPG while forming a devastating inside-out duo with Karl-Anthony Towns, who torched Indiana for 30.3 PPG during the regular season.
The Knicks’ elite wing trio of Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby gives them unmatched versatility on both ends, with any of the three capable of erupting for 20+ points on any given night. Sixth man Deuce McBride could be the X-factor – his energy and scoring punch off the bench could prove decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested series.
PICKS:
Spread: Pacers (+4.5)
Over/Under: Over (224)
