Pacers vs. Knicks Prediction: Game 2 Odds & Preview

After one of the more exciting finishes in the playoffs for Game 1, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers will meet for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals at 8 p.m. ET on Friday at Madison Square Garden on TNT.

Thanks to a jumper that forced overtime from Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers pulled off a 138-135 win in Game 1. The Knicks led by as many as 14 with under three minutes remaining in regulation, but couldn’t hang on.

Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for Pacers vs. Knicks and my prediction ahead of Friday’s Game 2 in the Eastern Conference finals:

Pacers vs. Knicks Odds: Game 2

• Pacers spread: +5.5
• Knicks spread: -5.5
• Total: 226.5

Pacers vs. Knicks Prediction: Game 2 Best Bet

Based on the updated NBA playoff odds, I’m backing New York’s spread (-5.5) as my best bet for Game 2 of the Pacers-Knicks battle in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Game 2 spread is 5.5 after closing at 4.5 in Game 1, with the market baking in a zigzag theory. Still, it’s difficult not to believe the Knicks will bounce back on Friday.

For one, New York was up by 14 with under three minutes left in the game. The Knicks were up nine in the final minute. They choked down the stretch, and Haliburton ensured they knew that after his jumper to force OT.

Of the 10 most improbable comebacks in the playoffs since 1997, the Pacers have three of them in this postseason run:

• Game 1 vs. Knicks
• Game 2 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Game 5 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks

The Pacers might be the team of destiny at this point, but I’ll bet against it happening on Friday. This is a classic letdown spot for Indiana after stealing home-court advantage from New York.

Game 2 prediction: Knicks -5.5 (-110)

When Was the Last Time the Pacers Reached the NBA Finals?

The Pacers last reached the NBA Finals in 2000, losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers. It marks the only year that Indiana has won the East.

When Was the Last Time the Knicks Reached the NBA Finals?

The Knicks haven’t made it to the NBA Finals since 1999, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games. New York has won two championships in 46 playoff appearances.