Knicks vs. Pacers: Breaking Down Game 2 Betting Odds and Insights
There’s a bit of a shakeup for bettors heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference showdown between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. Oddsmakers have pegged the Knicks as -6.5 favorites at home, giving them a strong edge. If you’re going straight moneyline, New York sits at -255, while the Pacers offer more upside at +210. The projected point total is 224.5, with a hint towards the over being favored, with odds at -115 compared to -105 for the under.
ESPN’s BPI model, which weighs everything from recent form to injury status and home-court advantage, has thrown a curveball: it actually prefers the Pacers to take Game 2 outright, despite them being sizable underdogs. That’s a rare split from the betting markets, where the Knicks look like clear favorites, and it often signals there’s value in grabbing Indiana either on the moneyline or by taking them against the spread (ATS) at +6.5.
Key Players, Matchups, and What Bettors Should Watch
Let’s talk about the key guys. Jalen Brunson has been the engine for New York all postseason. Alongside him, Julius Randle’s physicality in the paint always keeps defenses busy. But New York faces a unique challenge: Indiana’s offense is all about sharing the ball and lighting it up from outside. Tyrese Haliburton leads the charge, but the real threat is just how many Pacers can step up on any given night—think Buddy Hield with the deep ball or Myles Turner cleaning up misses.
For those looking at props or angles beyond the basic spread, keep an eye on whether New York adjusts their perimeter defense. The Pacers aren’t shy about firing threes, which could drive the game total up. If New York clamps down, look for them to force the Pacers inside, trying to slow the pace and capitalize on rebounding mismatches.
Indiana’s track record on the road can’t be ignored. They’ve been a nuisance for home teams, managing to pull off gritty wins when everyone expects them to roll over. And given the BPI model’s bold call, grabbing the Pacers +6.5 or even a punt on their moneyline could really pay off if you’re hunting for value.
With the point total sitting at 224.5, bettors are leaning slightly toward the over, expecting both teams to find scoring stretches. If the Pacers keep pushing the pace and the Knicks answer blow for blow, it could easily become a shootout. That said, the real swing factor will be which team imposes its tempo—and how quickly both coaching staffs adjust on the fly.
Bottom line? When models, odds, and actual basketball narratives don’t all line up, that’s when smart bets tend to surface. Watch how the first quarter unfolds—if Indiana finds early rhythm or New York’s defense shows cracks, the live odds might give you new opportunities right in the heat of the contest. Game 2 shapes up to be less of a sure thing than the oddsmakers want you to believe.