Knicks vs Pacers Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 5/29/2025

The New York Knicks face elimination at Madison Square Garden as they host the Indiana Pacers in a must-win Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night.

With Indiana holding a commanding 3-1 series lead after Tyrese Haliburton's triple-double performance powered their 130-121 victory in Game 4, the Knicks will need significantly improved defensive effort to extend their season.

New York enters as 4.5-point home favorites despite dropping both previous games at MSG in this series, setting the stage for what could be a season-defining showdown for Jalen Brunson and company.

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New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers preview

The Knicks face elimination on their home floor Thursday night as they trail the surging Pacers 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals despite having home-court advantage in the series.

Indiana's dynamic offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton's triple-double masterclass (32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists) in Game 4, has overwhelmed New York's normally stout defense, putting Tom Thibodeau's squad on the brink.

After allowing the Pacers to explode for 43 first-quarter points last game, the Knicks must rediscover their defensive identity that helped them hold Indiana to just 100 points in their lone series victory.

While Jalen Brunson continues his stellar playoff run, averaging 26 points per game, New York needs more consistent production from their supporting cast, particularly Josh Hart who fouled out with just 12 points in Game 4.

The Madison Square Garden faithful will need to bring playoff-level intensity as the Knicks aim to become just the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

Key for New York will be limiting turnovers after committing 17 in Game 4 that led to 20 Pacers points, while Pascal Siakam's continued efficiency (30 points on 11-of-21 shooting last game) remains a matchup problem for the Knicks' defense.

Key stats

1

The Knicks sit 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record, establishing themselves as one of the conference's elite teams

2

Indiana holds the 4th spot in the East at 50-32, just one game behind New York in the standings

3

The Pacers enter with momentum, posting a strong WLWWW record in their last five games compared to the Knicks' more inconsistent WLLLW form

4

New York has been more defensively sound this season, allowing 9158 points compared to Indiana's 9441, potentially giving them an edge in a playoff-style matchup

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