NBA Finals predictions: Are the Thunder and Knicks locks for the NBA Finals?
The For The Hoops crew make their picks for the NBA Finals. The Thunder vs. Knicks seem to be a popular pick, but are we counting the Timberwolves and Pacers out too early?
The New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference finals series that has already been one of the major talking points of the ongoing NBA playoffs.
The Knicks seemed to be rolling to a Game 1 victory Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. New York held a 17-point lead at one point during the fourth quarter, and with the seconds ticking away, a few long possessions or a defensive stop or two seemed to be all that was left to ice a win.
Instead, the Pacers mounted a legendary comeback, with Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith leading the way. Indiana made up a nine-point gap in the final 52 seconds of regulation, eventually claiming a 138-135 victory in overtime.
The stunning outcome has supercharged what was already looking like an exciting series. Here are odds, predictions, and how to watch Game 2 between the Knicks and the Pacers:
What time is Pacers vs. Knicks?
Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks is set to start at 8 p.m. ET.
Pacers vs. Knicks predictions: Expert Picks for Game 2
USA TODAY: Knicks to win Game 2
The USA TODAY staff picks for Game 2 are nearly unanimous, with the Knicks claiming a 6-1 edge.
- Scooby Axson: Knicks
- Cydney Henderson: Knicks
- Lorenzo Reyes: Knicks
- Jordan Mendoza: Knicks
- Heather Tucker: Knicks
- James WIlliams: Knicks
- Jeff Zillgitt: Pacers
Dimers: Knicks 116, Pacers 111
Dimers’ simulations have given the Knicks a 70% chance of winning Game 2, with a five-point margin the most likely outcome.
Covers.com: Knicks even the series
Jason Logan writes: “There are several alternate realities in which the Knicks held on to that late lead and won Game 1. It just wasn’t ours. Books have New York installed as 5.5-point favorites for Game 2, and while Indiana is always live, a series split seems more probable considering the Knicks played well for 47 minutes before coming undone on Wednesday. New York wins Game 2.”
ClutchPoints: Pacers 108, Knicks 103
Using the NBA 2K25 video game to simulate Game 2, Massimo Marchiano has the Pacers claiming a five-point win.
Pacers vs. Knicks odds
The New York Knicks are favored to win Game 2, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Thursday, May 22.
- Spread: Knicks (-5.5)
- Moneyline: Knicks (-235), Nuggets (+190)
- Over/under: 226.5
Pacers vs. Knicks series predictions: Expert picks
Before Game 1, USA TODAY Sports experts made predictions for the Eastern Conference finals winner:
Pacers vs. Knicks series winner
- Jeff Zillgitt: Pacers in six
- Lorenzo Reyes: Knicks in seven
- Heather Tucker: Knicks in seven
- James Williams: Knicks in six
- Jordan Mendoza: Knicks in seven
- Scooby Axson: Knicks in seven
- Cydney Henderson: Knicks in six
How to watch Pacers vs. Knicks NBA game: TV, stream
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Madison Square Garden (New York)
- TV: TNT, truTV
- Stream: Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV
