Pacers vs. Knicks – Game 2 Preview
Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET • Madison Square Garden, New York City
Our Pick: Pacers +5.5

The Indiana Pacers enter Game 2 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals riding high after their thrilling 138-135 overtime comeback victory against the New York Knicks in Game 1. Despite being listed as 5.5-point underdogs for tonight’s matchup, the Pacers have several advantages positioning them favorably to cover the spread again.

Indiana’s resilience was on full display in Game 1, where they erased a seemingly insurmountable 14-point deficit within the final three minutes of regulation—a first in NBA playoff history. This incredible feat demonstrated the Pacers’ potent offensive firepower and mental toughness under playoff pressure, particularly on the road, where they’ve accumulated a strong 5-1 postseason record thus far.

Tyrese Haliburton, who continues to anchor Indiana’s dynamic offense, delivered a stellar performance in the series opener, contributing 31 points along with 11 assists. Haliburton’s ability to score and facilitate under pressure consistently creates significant matchup problems for opposing defenses. Expect him to exploit defensive switches and facilitate easy looks for teammates throughout Game 2.

Additionally, Aaron Nesmith’s remarkable shooting—highlighted by a career-high 30 points in Game 1, including six consecutive three-pointers during crunch time—underscores the Pacers’ capacity for rapid scoring bursts. Nesmith, known for his efficiency, has maintained exceptional shooting splits throughout the playoffs and will remain a key figure in spacing the floor against the Knicks’ defensive rotations.

The frontcourt battle will also play a pivotal role, particularly through Myles Turner, who adds perimeter shooting versatility uncommon for a center, hitting 43.2% from beyond the arc in the playoffs. Turner’s presence stretches the Knicks’ defense, opening driving lanes for Haliburton and perimeter opportunities for Indiana’s shooters.

For the Knicks, guarding against Indiana’s transition offense and perimeter threats remains a challenge, especially if their defensive focus overly concentrates on Haliburton. New York’s defense will have to adjust significantly to prevent another late-game collapse.

Considering these factors, Indiana’s offensive versatility, consistent road success, and the momentum gained from their historical Game 1 comeback, the Pacers appear strongly positioned to cover the +5.5 spread tonight, ensuring another closely contested battle at Madison Square Garden.