Knicks vs. Pacers Game 5 Betting Odds: Knicks Favored as Pacers Eye Series Clinch

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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NBA Playoffs: Knicks Face Must-Win Showdown Against Pacers in Game 5

Madison Square Garden is getting ready to host another high-stakes playoff evening as the New York Knicks find themselves on the ropes against the Indiana Pacers for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers sit comfortably with a 3-1 series lead. For the Knicks, Thursday, May 29, 2025, is win-or-go-home — and the betting markets are buzzing.

Oddsmakers have given the Knicks a slight edge, listing them as 4.5- or 5-point favorites. On the moneyline, betting on New York comes with a pricetag of -205, while the Pacers are pegged as +170 underdogs. The over/under number has bounced between 222.5 and 223.5 points throughout the week, as fans, bettors, and pundits hotly debate whether this one will be a shootout or defensive slugfest.

There’s a lot more at play than just the betting lines, though. The Knicks have turned the Garden into a fortress after losses — they’re 27-10 straight-up and 22-15 against the spread this season coming off a defeat. This trend has caught the attention of bettors looking for an edge. Indiana, however, has been the king of the first half in the postseason, stacking a 10-4 record against the first-half spread. The Pacers have hit the accelerator in transition, turning steals and rebounds into points, and that aggressive style helped them rack up the scoreboard in Game 4.

But can they keep that pace going? Or will the Knicks finally disrupt Indiana’s flow and slow things down? All eyes are on Jalen Brunson, New York’s engine in crunch time. He’s been the guy who keeps the Knicks in games late, often finding ways to score or create big plays when it matters most. If the Knicks can control the tempo and lean on Brunson’s late-game magic, they’ve got a shot at extending the series and covering that spread.

On the other hand, Indiana’s bench depth and ability to push the pace might be the deciding factor. The Pacers’ up-tempo game, ignited by Tyrese Haliburton and a supporting cast that loves to run, has put serious pressure on New York’s defense. When Indiana gets those transition buckets and keeps the ball moving, they can pile on points in a hurry — just ask anyone who watched Game 4.

Oddsmakers and analysts aren’t just split on the game outcome but also on how the totals will play out. The consensus leans slightly toward the under, partly because the Knicks are expected to clamp down defensively in a do-or-die setting and try to avoid getting caught in another run-and-gun shootout with Indiana. It’s a chess match: keep up with Indiana’s pace and you risk flaming out early, slow things down and you just might grind out a win.

The first half may end up telling the story of this game. Many are backing the Pacers to cover the +2.5 first-half spread, riding the trend that’s worked so far in the playoffs. But don’t count out a late Knicks push, especially if the Garden crowd gets behind them and Brunson goes off in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks vs. Pacers battle isn’t just about who moves on — it’s a clash of styles, trends, and nerves. Game 5 promises a wild ride for everyone, from diehard fans to sharp bettors looking for an edge.