Pacers vs Knicks Game 1 Picks, Odds | NBA Playoffs Prediction

Pacers vs Knicks Game 1 Picks, Odds | NBA Playoffs Prediction

The second round of the NBA Playoffs continues with an excellent 2-game slate on Monday night -- and the first matchup of the evening we'll preview is Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

The Knicks are 6-point home favorites on the spread in Monday's contest, while the total is set at over/under 217 total points at DraftKings.

Here's everything you need to know about Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Pacers and Knicks -- the latest betting odds, as well as our expert picks and prediction for the NBA Playoffs on Monday, May 6.

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Pacers vs Knicks Odds

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Pacers vs Knicks Picks & Prediction

The Knicks are a funky group. Nothing truly jumps off the screen at either end of the floor, ranked 7th in offensive rating and 10th in defensive rating. It’s a clunky offense. They play a ton of hero-ball with Jalen Brunson and heavily rely on offensive rebounding to boost production. Their defense is solid, but they are vulnerable down low with OG Anunoby and Josh Hart often combining to fill the power forward spot, while Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson rotate at center – which is a big reason why I thought Philly might be able to give them some problems in the previous round.

However, I underestimated two crucial intangible factors about the Knicks, and I will not make the same mistake again: 1.) The chemistry of the Villanova trio, 2.) The homecourt advantage of Madison Square Garden.

Sometimes, a puzzle piece may seem like it doesn’t fit into the big picture when viewed separately. But then, once you slowly start putting the rest of the pieces together in real-time, all of a sudden you realize the importance of that weird misfit piece sitting on the side... Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo are those puzzle pieces for the Knicks. 

Brunson was phenomenal in the first round of the playoffs, but he certainly wasn’t perfect. He had a few rough games throughout the series, and even stalled for stretches during his showstopper performances. However, Brunson’s former college teammates have an excellent feel for what type of support he needs at any given moment, whether it’s Hart grabbing 17 rebounds in Game 4 or DiVincenzo knocking down 5-of-9 three-point attempts in Game 6, they constantly pick each other up and fill voids when necessary. It’s truly a wonder to watch, and very difficult to quantify.

The other factor that somewhat flew under my radar prior to the previous round was the alarming difference between the average team’s homecourt advantage vs. homecourt advantage for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in the playoffs. 

The crowd is so loud and so obnoxious at every whistle, and if you think it isn’t going to make a huge difference, just wait until the team you bet on practically wins a game on the road to even the series, only to have the referees give it away in the final seconds and then formally admit they made the wrong decision the following day due to their inability to hear any of the coaches or players frantically calling timeout, while also ignoring blatant intentional contact at multiple points during an end-of-game foul situation (yes, I’m still bitter about Sixers-Knicks Game 2).

The Pacers just won a playoff series for the first time since 2014, and they have a very bright future to look forward to with their young core. However, Indiana is still very flawed, ranked 24th in defensive rating (118) during the regular season – and while admittedly, they can’t control who they play, it’s tough to give the Pacers an overwhelming amount of credit for a lengthy first round series win over Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined and Damian Lillard banged-up. I’ll lay the points with New York in Game 1.

Pick: Knicks -6 (-110)

Click this link for picks and predictions for all First Round NBA Playoff matchups!

Pacers vs Knicks Game Time & TV Channel

Date: Monday, May 6
Matchup: Atlantic vs. Central
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Location: New York, NY
Time-TV: TNT, 7:30 p.m. ET

Pacers vs Knicks Betting Stats

2) New York Knicks
(2nd Place, Atlantic)

  • Odds to Win Finals: +1000
  • Odds to Win Conference: +300
  • Odds to Win Series: -265
  • SU: 50-32
  • ATS: 44-37-1
  • O/U: 37-45
  • PPG: 112.8
  • OPPG: 108.2

Click this link for the latest betting trends and market movements leading up to the NBA Finals!

6) Indiana Pacers
(3rd Place, Central)

  • Odds to Win Finals: +4600
  • Odds to Win Conference: +1100
  • Odds to Win Series: +210
  • SU: 47-36
  • ATS: 45-37-1
  • O/U: 42-40
  • PPG: 123.3
  • OPPG: 120.2

NBA Playoffs Betting Resources