Haliburton’s Dominance: 1 Game Away from Finals

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers May 29th 2025

The Indiana Pacers are set to play the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The game will take place at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM. The Pacers lead the series 3-1 and are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals.

The Knicks find themselves in a tough spot, trailing 3-1 in the series. They need a win to avoid elimination and extend their postseason. The game will be broadcast on TNT, making it a must-watch as both teams aim to secure their place in the NBA Finals.

Want to explore how other teams are performing this postseason? Dive into analysis on Eastern Conference, Western Conference, and more via our NBA blog hub.

Pacers vs Knicks Key Information

Sport: NBA
Teams: Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Betting Odds: Pacers Spread -4.5 (-114), Knicks Spread +4.5 (-108), Pacers MoneyLine +148, Knicks MoneyLine -176, Over/Under 222.5

The Pacers Can Win If…

The Indiana Pacers are riding high after a 130-121 win over the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with a triple-double, scoring 32 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 15 assists. Pascal Siakam also contributed with 30 points, helping the Pacers take a 3-1 series lead.

Indiana’s offense has been a powerhouse this season, ranking second in points per game at 118.5. They lead the league in field goal percentage at 50.0% and three-point shooting at 39.7%. These stats highlight their ability to score efficiently, making them a tough team to beat.

The Pacers have been strong against the spread (ATS) in the postseason, with a 10-4 record. On the road, they are even more impressive, holding a 6-1 ATS record. This trend shows their capability to perform well away from home, which will be crucial as they head to Madison Square Garden for Game 5.

The Knicks Can Win If…

The New York Knicks are in a must-win situation as they prepare for Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. In their last game, they lost to the Indiana Pacers 130-121. Jalen Brunson led the team with 31 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 12 rebounds.

The Knicks have shown they can compete with strong offensive stats. They rank 6th in points per game with 109.6 and 3rd in free throws made per game. Their field goal percentage is 45.2, placing them 10th in the league, which shows their ability to score efficiently.

The Knicks have been resilient in the postseason with a 9-7 ATS record. At home, they have a 3-5 ATS record, but they have performed well as underdogs. With their season on the line, the Knicks will need to rely on their home crowd and key players to extend the series.

Looking for the full playoff picture? Visit the NBA team page for stats, rosters, and insights.

The Lean

For the point-spread pick, taking the Pacers at +4.5 (-108) seems like a good choice. The Pacers have a strong offense, scoring 118.5 points per game, which is second in the league. With the Knicks allowing 109.6 points per game, the Pacers could cover the spread, especially with their high field goal percentage.

For the over/under pick, the under 222.5 (-110) is recommended. The Knicks score 109.6 points per game and allow 109.6 points per game. The Pacers allow 113.8 points per game. Combining these stats, the projected total is around 218 points, which is below the current line of 222.5.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Epic Run: Can the Pacers Finish the Job at MSG?

The Indiana Pacers are knocking on the door of NBA Finals history, and Tyrese Haliburton is holding the key. His jaw-dropping Game 4 performance — 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, five 3-pointers, four steals, and not a single turnover — wasn’t just impressive. It was historic.

This 30-15-10-0 stat line? Never been done before in the playoffs. That’s how you rewrite narratives, and that’s exactly what Haliburton’s doing — one possession at a time.

But for Haliburton, it’s not about the numbers.

“I’m just trying to play the right way,” he said postgame. “I just want to impact winning.”

And right now, he’s doing just that — leading a team that hasn’t been to the Finals since the Reggie Miller era in 2000. Standing in their way now? The bright lights and roaring crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Check out the NBA picks page for expert breakdowns heading into Game 5.

The Knicks Are Battered, But Not Beaten

Despite Indiana’s commanding 3-1 series lead, the New York Knicks aren’t folding. Jalen Brunson, New York’s playoff heartbeat, is averaging 33.3 points per game. And although the Knicks haven’t figured out how to contain Haliburton, they’re not giving up.

“It’s on us to try to limit him as best as we can,” Brunson admitted. “It’s now time to get back to the drawing board.”

Unfortunately, that board is cluttered with injury concerns. Karl-Anthony Towns, the hero of Game 3’s miraculous comeback, is nursing a left knee injury. He’s listed as questionable, and it’s the same knee he’s tweaked in back-to-back games.

If Towns can’t go or isn’t 100%, New York’s uphill battle gets even steeper.

And yet, he’s not making excuses.

“It’s all of us,” Towns said. “We have to do a better job to make it difficult for each one of them to score.”

Need to see where these odds are trending? Hit the NBA odds page.

A basketball player wearing a yellow and blue Indiana jersey celebrates, showcasing determination and enthusiasm on the court.

Fast-Break Domination: How the Pacers Are Running Away With It

Here’s a stat that paints the series picture perfectly: Indiana leads New York in fast-break points, 65-23. That’s not a gap; it’s a canyon. Much of it is due to Haliburton’s push-ahead tempo, and the Knicks’ 60 turnovers across four games haven’t helped.

“If they were aggressive turnovers, they’d be different,” said Brunson. “But passive turnovers is not us.”

This is where Indiana thrives — on transition chaos, sparked by elite guard play and quick decisions. Pascal Siakam has played his role to perfection, offering multiple 30-point nights, but it’s been the surprise spark of Bennedict Mathurin that turned heads in Game 4.

Mathurin, who had only averaged 3.7 points in the first three games, exploded for 20 in just over 12 minutes off the bench. Talk about a breakout moment.

The X-Factors: Role Players Making a Playoff Statement

Mathurin didn’t just show up — he owned the moment. Scoring 20 points in limited minutes is rare in playoff intensity, and he did it by staying ready, staying locked in, and playing within the flow.

“I think the goal is pretty clear for us,” Mathurin said. “Everyone wants to win a championship, but you have to be willing to do the right things.”

Those “right things” — effort, hustle, defense, shot selection — made a difference.

Aaron Nesmith’s Grit

Don’t overlook Aaron Nesmith. Playing through a sprained ankle, cleared just an hour before Game 4, he dropped 16 points. His physicality, perimeter defense, and fearless attitude bring real value.

Visit the NBA expert betting guide for deeper matchup details and sleeper picks.

MSG Pressure: A Test for the Pacers’ Mettle

Closing out a series is hard. Closing it out on the road? At Madison Square Garden? That’s a whole different beast. But this Indiana squad has shown it’s built for the moment.

The Pacers have won six straight road playoff games, including this series. They’re composed. They execute. They lean into Haliburton’s playmaking and Siakam’s savvy. And now, they have a shot to end it.

“One more game,” Haliburton said. “It will be a lot of fun. It’s a tough environment to play in. We’ve got to be ready.”

For more predictions on Indiana’s next steps, check the NBA Championship Odds blog.

FAQs

What’s Tyrese Haliburton’s average this series?

He’s averaging over 25 points and 10 assists per game — and coming off a triple-double in Game 4 with no turnovers.

Will Karl-Anthony Towns play in Game 5?

Towns is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. He’s played through pain before, but his status will likely come down to game-time decision.

Why are turnovers a major issue for the Knicks?

New York has committed 60 turnovers in four games, leading to a massive deficit in fast-break points. That’s giving Indiana way too many easy chances.

What makes Indiana’s fast-break offense so effective?

It’s Haliburton’s vision and decision-making, combined with athletic wings like Siakam and Mathurin who can finish in traffic.

How has Bennedict Mathurin impacted the series?

His 20-point outburst in limited minutes gave Indiana a big lift in Game 4. He may be the surprise x-factor if the series continues.

Who else is stepping up for the Pacers?

Pascal Siakam’s two 30-point games and Nesmith’s gutsy performance on a bad ankle have both been huge.

Wrapping It Up: Haliburton’s Moment, Pacers’ Opportunity

The Indiana Pacers are one win away from their first Finals trip in 24 years, and Tyrese Haliburton is the engine driving them there. From his historic performances to his cool, calculated leadership, he’s proving he’s built for the big stage.

But it won’t be easy. Madison Square Garden won’t go down without a fight. And neither will the Knicks.

New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions May 29th 2025