Knicks vs. Pacers: High Stakes, Tight Odds at Madison Square Garden
The heat’s cranked way up in New York as the Knicks try to stave off elimination against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Down 3-1 in the series, the Knicks need a win at home this Thursday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Pacers are riding the energy from three straight wins and are just one victory away from a shot at the NBA Finals.
The sportsbooks have spoken, too. The Knicks vs Pacers line opened with New York as a 5-point favorite. After some back-and-forth, the spread settled at Knicks -4.5. Pacers fans are playing the value angle here, snapping up Indiana to cover the spread at a clip of about 62%. If you like early-game action, the market’s calling out Pacers +2.5 in the first half, reflecting their tendency to come out guns blazing during the postseason.
Let’s talk totals. The Over/Under started just a tick higher at 223.5 and dipped to 222.5 as people expect the tension to shift the pace. Look for New York to dial back the tempo and try to stop Indiana’s speedy transition game, especially after the Pacers burned them with a top-tier performance in Game 4 — they were among the best in fast break points that night, putting New York’s defense through the wringer.
What to Watch: Player Props and Key Angles
For all the bettors out there, don’t overlook the props. The spotlight’s on Karl-Anthony Towns and his status — he’s dealing with a knee issue and is questionable for the game. Some sharp money likes Towns’ rebounding under, considering Mitchell Robinson’s role as a starter eats into Towns’ board chances. There’s also interest in a parlay on Towns getting 20+ points and 10+ rebounds, especially with the favorable odds floating out there.
Zooming out, New York historically bounces back at home after a loss, boasting an impressive 27-10 record straight up and a 22-15 mark against the spread at the Garden. When it comes to playoff games after a defeat, they’re 5-1 both straight up and ATS this year. That’s giving fans some hope, even with the Pacers holding all the cards right now.
Looking at the series schedule, if New York snags Game 5, things roll on to Indiana for Game 6. If they push it to a Game 7, the energy will be back in New York. Stakes couldn’t be higher — win, and the Knicks keep dreaming; lose, and Indiana books a ticket to the Finals. Whether you’re sweating the betting lines or glued to the screen for the drama, it’s make-or-break basketball in Manhattan.
