The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks continue their battle in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Game 2 set to take place at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead after a dramatic comeback victory in Game 1, making this matchup crucial for the Knicks as they look to even the series.
Game Overview
- Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Broadcast: TNT
- Series Status: Pacers lead 1-0
Team Breakdown
New York Knicks (3rd Seed – 51-31 Record)
- Previous Game Results: Loss, Win, Loss, Win, Loss
- Key Players:
- Jalen Brunson – The Knicks’ leader, averaging 28.8 PPG, 7.7 APG in the playoffs. His clutch performances will be key.
- Karl-Anthony Towns – A dominant force inside, averaging 24.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG. He had 40 points and 12 rebounds in their last regular-season meeting with Indiana.
- OG Anunoby – A defensive anchor who will be tasked with slowing down Indiana’s perimeter attack.
Indiana Pacers (4th Seed – 50-32 Record)
- Previous Game Results: Win, Win, Win, Loss, Win
- Key Players:
- Tyrese Haliburton – The Pacers’ floor general, averaging 17.5 PPG, 9.3 APG. His ability to control the pace will be crucial.
- Pascal Siakam – A versatile scorer, averaging 18.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG. His matchup against Anunoby will be pivotal.
- Bennedict Mathurin – A key X-factor, averaging 25.3 PPG against the Knicks in the regular season. His scoring off the bench could swing the game.
Key Matchups & Storylines
1. Knicks’ Defense vs. Pacers’ Pace
The Knicks thrive on slowing the game down, while the Pacers excel in fast-paced transition offense. If New York can dictate the tempo, they’ll have a better chance of controlling the game.
2. Haliburton vs. Brunson – The Battle of Playmakers
Both guards are elite facilitators, but Brunson has been the more dominant scorer. If Haliburton can match his offensive output, Indiana will have the edge.
3. Rebounding Battle – Can Indiana Close the Gap?
The Knicks outrebounded Indiana in all three regular-season matchups, with a combined 130-101 advantage. Siakam and Myles Turner must step up on the boards to prevent second-chance points.
4. The Knicks’ Response After Game 1 Collapse
New York led by 15 points with under five minutes left in Game 1 before Indiana stormed back. Expect a more aggressive approach from the Knicks to avoid another late-game breakdown.
Prediction & X-Factors
- Likely Outcome: A close, physical battle with the Knicks desperate to avoid a 0-2 hole.
- X-Factors:
- Mathurin’s Bench Scoring – If he continues his strong play, Indiana will have a major advantage.
- Anunoby’s Defense on Siakam – If he can limit Siakam’s production, the Knicks will have a better chance.
- Brunson’s Clutch Factor – He has carried the Knicks in tight games all season.
Game Odds
Indiana Pacers 226
New York Knicks – 6
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 22, 2025
