Pacers vs. Knicks Top NBA Picks Oct 25: NY To Cover & Best Bets
- We take a look at the Pacers vs Knicks odds to find the best bets.
- Indiana and New York met in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with the Pacers winning in seven games.
- Both teams struggled offensively in their opening game, which could move this matchup toward the under.
- The Knicks have home-court advantage, which should help them cover the spread.
- The Knicks are the current second favorite in our NBA Eastern Conference futures odds.
It is too early to start talking about NBA predictions for the playoffs, with the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks playing their second game of the season. However, this historic rivalry was fired up again last playoffs, and could continue to grow early this season with both teams expecting to be in the postseason.
Last season, in the playoffs, the Pacers beat an injury-riddled Knicks team in seven games to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a shocking loss for the Knicks, while it continued an impressive playoff run for the Pacers.
This is also the Knicks’ first home game of the season, which could affect the BetUS sportsbook line. The Knicks fans tend to be among the loudest, and given the team’s excitement following a bad loss, home-court advantage could be a factor in making picks.
Pacers vs Knicks Game Information
- Game: Pacers (1-0) at New York Knicks (0-1)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Date/Time: Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Pacers vs Knicks Live Stream: fuboTV
Pacers vs Knicks Odds and Spread
Place your Bets On Pacers vs Knicks At BetUs Sportsbook!
2 Ways to Bet on the Pacers vs Knicks Game
1. Knicks’ Offense Has To Be Better At Home, Bet NY ATS
The Knicks’ opening game did not go as planned. They opened the season, headlining NBA news with a roster that seemed created to beat the Boston Celtics. Instead, the Celtics were the team that the sports media world focused on as they raised their 18th championship banner, hit 29 3s like it was nothing and beat their “biggest” competition in the East 132-109.
While the Celtics’ scoring was a massive reason for their win, the Knicks’ lack of offense certainly did not help. Among a star-studded lineup, it looked like Miles McBride was the best offensive player, coming off the bench with 22 points and hitting four of the Knicks 11 3s. Mikal Bridges was second in made 3s with three, but he attempted seven from beyond the arc and didn’t make one until the second half of his debut when the game was already over.
Mikal Bridges found something in the second half last night 👀
16 points
7/8 FG
2/3 3P pic.twitter.com/yEAtRpfeok— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) October 23, 2024
Bridges did not have the best debut on both sides of the court, which led to him having the lowest +/- in the game -33, with 16 points and two assists, that’s it. The Knicks traded away six first-round picks for him this offseason. His new shooting form did not look good and fell below his defensive expectations. The other debuting player, Karl-Anthony Towns, was slightly better, with 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one 3, looking capable on offense but like a traffic cone on defense.
On top of that, OG Anunoby, who signed a five-year $212 million contract this offseason, made one of seven shots for four points. All three of the Knicks’ big offseason moves struggled in this game. The fact is that, at home, against a worse defense, the Knicks’ star players must play better. Jalen Brunson had 22 points, but that wasn’t enough with the lack of support around him.
There was so much hype around the Knicks this offseason that the media might be concerned if they don’t look much better offensively on their home court. The good thing is that they are facing a Pacers team that just struggled with the Detroit Pistons, allowing 27 or more points in the first three quarters of their last game. That should help the Knicks be an option when betting NBA spreads.
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2. Pacers Won’t Go Bombs Away From Deep, Bet Under
One of the most significant factors in the Knicks’ devastating loss in the season’s opening game was the Celtics’ hitting 29 3s. But they didn’t just hit 29 3s. They put on a shooting display, making 47.5% of shots from behind the arc despite missing 13 straight 3s in the fourth quarter after the game was practically over.
Myles Turner with three straight threes 💦
16 of his 20 points have come in the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/g38tPsEGJZ
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 24, 2024
That is an issue for the Knicks’ defense, but it is not clear if it is one that the Pacers can exploit. In their 115-109 win over the Pistons, the Pacers only made nine of 31 three-point attempts, which is 29%. Center Myles Turner made the most with three, while Bennedict Mathurin added two off the bench. Furthermore, Tyrese Haliburton went 1 for 9 from behind the arc in the Pacers opening game.
This is nothing against the Pacers team, which is stacked with talent, inducing Pascal Siakam, who had 19 points in the win over the Pistons. However, given how well the Celtics took advantage of the Knicks’ drop coverage defense, it does not seem like the Pacers can do that. Plus, the Pacers almost lost to the Pistons, which is not a good look, having been down 90-82 through three quarters before winning the fourth 33-19.
While this helps back the Knicks in NBA picks, it also opens up the under for the points total. Both offenses struggled in their first game, which might continue as each team brushes off the offseason rust.
Best Bet On: Pacers vs Knicks Under 227 (-110)
Questions of the Day
Who will lead the Pacers vs Knicks game in scoring?
In the playoffs, Jalen Brunson was a thorn in the Pacers’ side, and he should be able to pick up right where he had left off.
What is the most interesting player prop in the Pacers vs Knicks game?
Karl-Anthony Towns could be in for a big game in his home debut to show the Knicks fans what they are getting.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.+
