Pacers vs. Knicks – Game 5 Preview
Thursday, 8:00 p.m. ET • Madison Square Garden, New York City
Our Pick: Pacers +4.5

Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks is set to deliver another high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-1 and have shown the resilience and depth needed to make a strong case for covering the +4.5 spread tonight.

Indiana has consistently proven they can handle hostile environments, boasting an impressive 6-1 playoff road record. Their ability to maintain composure in tight situations was evident in Game 4, where they capitalized on New York’s mistakes, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 24 points. This opportunistic style of play has been pivotal, putting pressure on the Knicks to execute flawlessly—a feat they’ve struggled with consistently this postseason.

The Pacers’ success hinges significantly on the outstanding play of Tyrese Haliburton. His historic triple-double in Game 4 (32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds) without committing a single turnover underlines his remarkable control and court vision. Haliburton’s ability to orchestrate the offense while maintaining ball security will once again be crucial, particularly if the Knicks continue their trend of defensive lapses.

Adding to Indiana’s strength is Pascal Siakam, whose consistent scoring and defensive versatility have provided the Pacers with a reliable second option. His 39-point performance in Game 2 was decisive, and New York has yet to find a reliable answer for his inside-outside scoring ability.

The Knicks, while favored at home, face significant hurdles. Karl-Anthony Towns’ questionable status due to a knee contusion further complicates their offensive strategy, potentially removing one of their primary offensive threats. Moreover, New York has struggled at home this postseason, holding a disappointing 3-5 record at Madison Square Garden, unable to fully capitalize on their typically robust home-court advantage.

Given these factors, the Pacers seem primed to not only compete closely in Game 5 but also potentially seal their Finals berth. Their blend of star power, bench depth, and ability to exploit the Knicks’ vulnerabilities makes them a strong candidate to cover the +4.5 spread and possibly clinch the series outright tonight.