Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1 Betting Preview, Odds, How To Watch

Both the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers won their first round series in six games, though they both had the luxury of going against a team who either didn’t have their best player available, or, in Joel Embiid’s case, was dealing with a laundry list of health issues, including Bell’s palsy. They won’t have such luck against each other in the second round, as the two sides meet for the first time since the 1990s, when Knicks vs. Pacers was a staple of the NBA playoffs.

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers NBA 2nd Round Game 1 Betting Odds

All odds provided by Sports Interaction.

When to Watch and How to Watch Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1

Game 1 of this Eastern Conference second round playoff series between the No. 2 seed New York Knicks and No. 6 Indiana Pacers will be going down at iconic Madison Square Garden on Monday, May 6 at 7:30PM. Canadian fans can tune in on TSN, Sportsnet, or RDS to watch the action, or stream it on the TSN app and Sportsnet NOW. In America, NBA fans will take in the game via TNT broadcast.

Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1 Point Spread Betting Preview

These teams met in the playoffs in six of eight years from 1993-2000, with each side taking three. Now, nearly a quarter century on from that rivalry, we’re seeing a renewal of hostilities.

Just as the Knicks’ first round series was with the 76ers, this is going to be another back-and-forth brawl, with the tough and disciplined Knicks trying to keep pace with the fast-paced, high-flying Pacers offense. It would seem as though the Knicks have just the guys to slow New York’s pace down, however.

OG Anunoby played alongside Pascal Siakam for many years on those successful Raptors teams, and the Knick no doubt picked up some offensive tendencies that will serve him in good stead as the two lock horns for opposing teams here.

In the back-court, New York has a bunch of dogs with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. None of them are great in terms of individual defending, but they all bring a ton of energy and aggression that could help stifle Tyrese Haliburton.

In the end, Brunson is the best player in this series, and when it’s a tight call and you’re unsure, always roll with the team that has the biggest superstar.

We’re not expecting Haliburton to have much success stopping Brunson either, and we like the Knicks to get off to a good start here, so we’ll take New York’s -5.5 point spread at -115 odds, though we feel that Ontario sportsbooks could have offered a more reasonable spread in the 3-4.5 point range.

Here are a few more NBA betting trends to consider:

• New York and Indiana have nearly identical ATS records this year: the Knicks have gone 46-39-3 ATS while the Pacers have gone 47-39-3.
• Both teams have sub-.500 ATs marks following a win this season.
• New York is 29-20-1 ATS as a favorite this year.
• New York has gone 34-24-2 against Eastern Conference foes this year.
• The Knicks are 31-21-2 ATS on equal rest.
• Indiana is 23-15-2 ATS as the underdog this season.

Best Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1 Player Props

Myles Turner seems like the Pacer with the best matchup, as he’ll be going up against Isaiah Hartenstein, who is probably New York’s third-choice big man with everyone healthy. He did a decent job slowing down Joel Embiid, but the Sixers’ star still put up 30+ in three games and 27+ in two others.

Turner slowed down a bit over the last two games of the team’s first round matchup, but he scored 17+ in the first four and figures to be able to get to his spots and do what he wants against Hartenstein, so go over on his 16.5 points prop.

On the other side, there is no one really to guard Jalen Brunson as we mentioned, so he should have another big day. The Villanova product has put up 39+ in three straight games, and while we don’t expect another 40 ball, it wouldn’t be surprising.

If the Knicks are going to beat this speedy Pacers team, Brunson will need 30+ a night, so we’re okay taking the over on his unusually high 34.5 point prop here at -110 odds.