Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks Betting Odds
May 16, 2025
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The Eastern Conference Semifinals shifts back to Madison Square Garden for a potentially decisive Game…
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Betting Odds
The Eastern Conference Finals just got a whole lot more interesting. After dropping the first two games at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks showed championship mettle with a gutsy 106-100 comeback victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3, breathing new life into what looked like a series slipping away. Karl-Anthony Towns erupted for 20 fourth-quarter points to lead the charge, while Jalen Brunson added crucial buckets down the stretch despite battling foul trouble all night.
For Filipino NBA betting fans watching this series unfold, Game 4 on Tuesday night in Indianapolis (Wednesday morning Manila time) presents a fascinating betting opportunity. Can the Knicks build on their momentum and even the series, or will the Pacers reassert their dominance at home? The stakes couldn’t be higher as Indiana sits just two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.
New York Knicks Analysis
The Knicks showed tremendous heart in Game 3, overcoming a 20-point deficit to steal one on the road. This resilience has been their calling card all season, but the first two games exposed some concerning weaknesses. New York is now 1-2 in the series after splitting their home games, a troubling sign considering three of the remaining four games (if necessary) will be played in Indianapolis.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ fourth-quarter explosion in Game 3 was exactly what the Knicks needed. The newly minted All-NBA Third Team center finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds, reminding everyone why he averaged 24.4 points and a career-high 12.8 rebounds during the regular season. His ability to stretch the floor with 42% three-point shooting creates matchup nightmares for Indiana’s defense.
Jalen Brunson continues to be the engine that drives this Knicks offense, contributing 23 points in Game 3 despite constant foul pressure. The crafty point guard has been New York’s most consistent performer throughout the playoffs, though he’ll need more help from the supporting cast if they want to complete this comeback.
The biggest concern for New York heading into Game 4 is their depth and foul trouble management. Both Towns and Brunson spent significant time on the bench due to foul issues in Game 3, and head coach Tom Thibodeau’s shortened rotation could become a liability as the series progresses. Josh Hart’s defensive rebounding and hustle plays have been crucial, but the Knicks need more consistent production from their role players.
Indiana Pacers Analysis
The Pacers find themselves in an enviable position despite the Game 3 setback. Leading 2-1 with two of the next three games at home, Indiana has shown they can win in multiple ways. Their historic Game 1 comeback and Pascal Siakam’s 39-point masterpiece in Game 2 demonstrated both resilience and star power that has carried them this far.
Siakam has been the X-factor for Indiana, elevating his game when it matters most. His playoff career-high 39 points in Game 2 showcased his ability to take over games, combining his trademark spin moves with improved perimeter shooting. The former Raptor has embraced being the go-to guy in crucial moments, something the Pacers desperately needed.
Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking remains the heartbeat of Indiana’s offense, even when his shot isn’t falling. The young point guard’s ability to push pace and find open teammates has been instrumental in creating the offensive flow that troubled New York in the first two games. When the Pacers play at their preferred tempo, they’re nearly impossible to stop.
The concern for Indiana is their late-game execution, which faltered in Game 3. After building a 20-point lead, they couldn’t maintain their offensive rhythm when the Knicks turned up the defensive pressure. Myles Turner’s rim protection has been solid, but the Pacers’ perimeter defense has been inconsistent, allowing too many open looks from three-point range.
Head 2 Head
Recent history between these teams tells an intriguing story. The Pacers have now won 5 of their last 8 meetings with the Knicks, including the first two games of this series. Game 1’s incredible comeback from 21 points down set the tone, while Game 2’s more controlled victory showed Indiana’s ability to win different styles of games.
Looking at their regular season matchups, the games have typically been high-scoring affairs, with three of their four meetings going over 220 total points. The Pacers won the season series 3-1, but notably, the Knicks’ lone victory came in Indianapolis – perhaps a good omen heading into Game 4.
The playoff intensity has brought out the best in both teams’ stars. In their three playoff meetings so far, at least one player has scored 30+ points in each game, highlighting the individual brilliance on display when these teams clash.
Match Analysis
The chess match between these teams revolves around pace and space. Indiana wants to push the tempo and create transition opportunities, where Haliburton and Siakam thrive. The Knicks prefer a more methodical approach, utilizing Towns in the post and running pick-and-rolls with Brunson to control the game’s rhythm.
The key individual matchup to watch is Towns versus Turner in the paint. Towns’ ability to draw Turner away from the basket with his shooting opens driving lanes for Brunson and others. Conversely, when Turner can stay home and protect the rim, it forces the Knicks into difficult perimeter shots.
Another crucial factor is bench production. The Pacers’ deeper rotation gives them an advantage in the middle quarters, where they’ve built most of their leads. The Knicks’ starters have shown they can compete, but their thin bench becomes a liability when foul trouble strikes.
Home court has been significant in this series, with the home team winning all three games so far. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd provides a genuine boost for Indiana, especially during their patented runs. The Knicks proved in Game 3 they can win on the road, but doing it twice in a row against a motivated Pacers team is a tall order.
Knicks vs Pacers Game 3 Prediction
Current betting lines reflect the Pacers’ home-court advantage and series lead. Indiana opened as slight 1.5-point favorites for Game 4, with the over/under set at 224 points. The moneyline shows Indiana at -117 and New York at -101, indicating oddsmakers expect another close contest.
From an Against The Spread (ATS) perspective, the Knicks have been profitable as underdogs this postseason, covering in 7 of their last 10 games when getting points. The Pacers, meanwhile, are just 4-6 ATS in their last 10 home playoff games, suggesting they might be slightly overvalued at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the last 5 Knicks playoff games, largely due to their defensive adjustments and slower pace. However, when these teams meet, scoring tends to spike – the OVER hit in 3 of their 4 regular season meetings.
Key factors for bettors to consider: The Knicks’ desperation level after stealing Game 3, potential lineup adjustments from both coaches, and whether Towns can avoid early foul trouble. The first quarter will be crucial – teams that lead after one quarter in this series are 3-0.
For Filipino bettors who love player props, keep an eye on Towns’ scoring line. After his fourth-quarter explosion, his point total might be inflated for Game 4. Brunson’s assist numbers could also provide value, as the Pacers will likely focus more defensive attention on him after Game 3.
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Wrapping Up
Game 4 shapes up as a pivotal moment in this Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks showed they have the heart of a champion with their Game 3 comeback, but the Pacers remain in the driver’s seat with home court and a series lead. For basketball fans in the Philippines staying up late (or waking up early) to catch this game, you’re in for a treat.
The betting angles are fascinating – do you trust the Knicks’ momentum and take the points, or believe the Pacers will reassert control at home? The pace of play and foul trouble management will likely determine both the winner and whether the total goes over or under.
Whatever happens Tuesday night in Indianapolis, this series has already delivered the drama and excitement that makes playoff basketball special. Both teams have shown they can make adjustments and respond to adversity. As we’ve learned from watching the NBA playoffs over the years, momentum can shift quickly, and the team that handles pressure best usually advances. Grab your coffee, place your bets wisely, and enjoy what promises to be another thriller in this compelling series.
