Knicks vs Pacers NBA Game 2 Pick: Will New York Even The Series At 1-1 (May 23)

• The New York Knicks dropped the opener despite leading by double-digits late in the fourth quarter.
• Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers look like a team of destiny following a dramatic come-from-behind victory.
• These squads last played on May 21, with the Pacers escaping with a three-point victory.

Friday’s NBA slate features the New York Knicks hosting the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Can New York bounce back from a stunning loss in our Knicks vs Pacers Game 2 pick?

Knicks vs Pacers Game 1 Recap

The Knicks punched their ticket to the conference finals via a 4-2 series win against the Boston Celtics in the semifinal round. Unfortunately, the Pacers landed the first punch, defeating New York 138-135 in Game 1.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns did most of the heavy lifting for the offense. Brunson scored a game-high 43 points and handed out five assists.

KAT finished with 35 points and 12 boards on 11-for-17 shooting overall and 4-for-8 from beyond the arc. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby contributed 16 points each.

On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith spearheaded an offense in which all five starters reached double figures. Haliburton’s final stat line included 31 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds.

Nesmith exploded for 30 points, shooting 9-for-13 overall and a sizzling 8-for-9 from beyond the arc.

New York seemed to have the game in hand, leading 119-105 with 2:51 left in regulation. However, the double-digit advantage did not prevent the Pacers from rallying to send the game into overtime.

Andrew Nembhard nailed the go-ahead basket with 26 seconds remaining. This marked the third time Indiana has overcome a 17-point deficit during its impressive postseason run.

Knicks vs Pacers Game 2 Pick: Will New York Level The Series At 1-1?

The Knicks enter this matchup as a six-point favorite despite the late-game collapse on Wednesday night (per BetOnline). Here are a few betting trends for both sides looking ahead to Game 2.

• The Knicks are 9-4 straight-up (SU) in their last 13 games against Indiana.
• When playing as the favorite, New York has covered the spread 10 times in its previous 14 outings.
• The Pacers are 7-1 overall in their last eight contests.
• Indiana is 5-0 against the spread in its previous five road matchups.

The Pacers have the momentum after stealing a game they had no business winning. At the same time, in a must-win scenario, the Knicks will respond and avoid facing a 0-2 deficit.

Pick New York Knicks

New Player Bonus 50% up to $1000

BET NOW