Pacers vs. Knicks: Betting Picks and Prediction for Game 2

Game 1 of the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks series was packed with drama due to a controversial call made by the referees, which made a huge impact on the result. With about 15 seconds on the clock, the Pacers trailed by one point and Myles Turner was called for a head-scratching moving screen.

Take a look at the play:

Hopefully, Game 2 will not have another disappointing finish. The big takeaway from Game 1 was Indiana is here to play. They pushed the Knicks all the way in Madison Square Garden -- one of the most raucous atmospheres you will ever see.

The Pacers were six-point underdogs in Game 1; this has slightly come down for tonight's clash at 4.5 points. New York is currently -420 to win this series when looking at FanDuel Sportsbook's NBA playoff odds. With an upset, Indiana can cause this line to make a huge swing.

Will the Pacers finish the job in Game 2, grabbing a key road win in the Eastern Conference Semifinals? Here's everything you need to know for tonight's game.

All NBA odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook and may change after this article is published.

NBA Playoffs Betting

Pacers-Knicks Betting Odds

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 8th at 8:00 p.m. ET

Spread: Knicks -4.5 (-112)

Total: 219

Moneyline:

• Pacers: +158
• Knicks: -188

Pacers vs. Knicks Advanced Stats Breakdown

nERD via numberFire. Adjusted offensive/defensive ratings and pace via DunksAndThrees.

• Pacers:
  • nERD: 56.3 (14th)
  • Adjusted Offensive Rating: 120.1 (2nd)
  • Adjusted Defensive Rating: 117.9 (24th)
  • Pace: 102.1 (2nd)
  • Against-the-Spread Record: 44-35-3
• Knicks:
  • nERD: 61.3 (7th)
  • Adjusted Offensive Rating: 117.4 (8th)
  • Adjusted Defensive Rating: 112.8 (8th)
  • Pace: 95.7 (30th)
  • Against-the-Spread Record: 44-37-1

Pacers vs. Knicks Best Bet

Over 219 (-110)
Pacers Team Total Over 107.5 (-110)

Despite Game 1 storming to the over, the game total hasn't shifted much for tonight's contest. Game 1 had a 217 total, and the two combined for 238 points. The total for Game 2 currently sits at 219.

The over is an intriguing pick with the teams combining for about 238.5 points per game (PPG) over four head-to-head matchups this season. numberFire's daily projections have a 68.05% chance for this game going over compared to the implied odds at 52.4%.

Each offense has thrived in the postseason. The Pacers have the third-best offensive rating among playoff teams and have eclipsed 115 points in five of the last six games. The Knicks have gotten it going over their previous two contests, totaling 119.5 PPG while shooting 49.7% from the field and 46.3% from three-point land. Plus, they have the fourth-best offensive rating in the playoffs.

There are also a few individual matchups that aid the over. For example, Jalen Brunson is like a man on fire, totaling 42.0 PPG while carrying a 50.0% field goal percentage (FG%) over his previous five outings. Indiana likely lacks the tools to slow this attack, for they have the third-worst defensive rating in the postseason.

The Pacers' starting backcourt of Tyrese Haliburton (114.4) and Andrew Nembhard (115.1) have posted pretty pedestrian defensive ratings in the postseason. They couldn't find a way to slow Brunson in Game 1, and I believe that will continue tonight. Brunson's point prop is set at a whopping 37.5.

I'm also focusing on Indiana's point prop for tonight. Going over 107.5 feels like a layup for me. The Pacers have averaged 121.8 PPG in head-to-head matchups this season.

In Game 1, Indiana had a 52.3 FG% while making 10 of 26 shots from three (38.5%). They even managed to total 64 points in the paint, which is not an easy task with New York giving up the sixth-fewest points in the painted area during the regular season (46.3).

Over the four meetings, the Pacers have logged 56.0 points in the paint per game against the Knicks. This is right in line with Indiana's regular-season average of 57.0 points in the paint per game -- the top mark in the NBA.

Indiana has been able to play to their strengths against this defense. Plus, the Knicks sit outside the top 10 in most stats for defending the three. We saw this come into play with the Pacers carrying efficient splits from three in Game 1.

Along with the over for the combined total, I also love the over for Indiana's team total.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.