Unpredictable majority scoring in Pacers versus Knicks Game 2 on Friday night's basketball match-up.
The New York Knicks suffered a historic loss in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, with a 99.7% win probability evaporating in the final minutes. The Pacers, known for their remarkable comeback victories, secured a thrilling 138-135 overtime win.
Aaron Nesmith of the Pacers, who had a remarkable performance towards the end of the game, was instrumental in tying the contest with a 2-pointer as time expired in regulation. Tyrese Haliburton led Indy's charge, providing key contributions throughout.
The Knicks, who began as 5.5-point favorites for Game 2, currently sit at -6.5, indicating the betting market's expectation of a Knicks rebound in the upcoming match. The team, which ended the regular season in 26th place for pace, is anticipated to slow down the game in Game 2, given the Pacers' full-court defensive style and both teams' below-average propensity for three-point attempts.
Charles Barkley, during halftime of Game 1, suggested that the game's pace was set by the Pacers, anticipating a more defensive, "rock-fight"-style Game 2 from the Knicks. Historically, home favorites that lose Game 1 in the playoffs often demonstrate a strong bounce-back, and in such situations, blowouts tend to favor the Under in total points.
Since 2021, home favorites in the playoffs have shown a successful record of 13-3 straight up, with a +13.3 scoring margin after losing Game 1. This trend suggests that the Knicks might even the series, but bettors may find more value in wagering on the Knicks' adjusted series price of +140, rather than their ability to win by 7+ points in Game 2.
Enrichment Data: Analysis of historical trends reveals that teams often respond well to adversity in the playoffs. However, there is no specific trend for home favorites after losing Game 1 in the conference finals or the playoffs overall. In reality, teams that suffer double-digit losses in Game 2 often bounce back strongly in Game 3 of conference finals, according to recent data.
With the public predominantly betting the Over in primetime and playoff games, bettors may want to wait until closer to tip-off to assess potential opportunities for a better number on the Under. The Game 2 total, which opened at 227, currently stands at 224.5, still 3.0 points higher than Game 1's total.
The Pacers and Knicks will clash again in Game 2, with both teams minimizing turnovers and relying less on three-point attempts. The Pacers, in particular, are known for their struggles in offensive rebounding, which could limit their opportunities for fastbreak points in Game 2. The Knicks' superiority on the glass in Game 1 could motivate Indiana to prioritize defensive rebounding in the rematch.
Prediction: Knicks 116, Pacers 103. The Knicks could even the series, but better opportunities might lie in wagering on the Knicks' adjusted series price or waiting for a more favorable number on the Under before placing a bet on the total points in Game 2. Stay tuned for further insights, analysis, and updates at [website name]. Follow me on X (or Twitter, whatever) @Geoffery-Clark for more betting content, random rants, and NBA 2024-25 betting records throughout the season.
Betting on the Knicks' adjusted series price of +140 might offer more value for those who believe the team will even the series. Despite the Pacers' comeback victory in Game 1, historical trends indicate that home favorites in the playoffs have a successful record after losing Game 1, particularly since 2021. In the upcoming Game 2, both teams are expected to focus on minimizing turnovers and relying less on three-point attempts, with the Knicks' superiority on the glass playing a crucial role. The current total points for Game 2 stands at 224.5, still higher than Game 1's total, and bettors might find better opportunities for a better number on the Under by waiting closer to tip-off.
