A Must-Win Showdown At “Madison Square Garden”
The “2025 NBA” Playoffs heat Up as the “New York Knicks” host the Indiana Pacers for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals “On Friday, May 23, 2025”. The High-stakes clash will tip off at 8:00 PM ET, Live on TNT, From the “Legendary Madison Square Garden”.
Game 1 was an overtime Thriller. The Pacers stunned “New York” with a comeback victory, Erasing a 14-point Fourth-Quarter Deficit to win 138–135. With “Tyrese Haliburton” And “Aaron Nesmith” delivering Standout Performances, The “Knicks” are under pressure to even The series in front of Their Home Crowd.
Game Details
- “Matchup”: Knicks vs. Pacers – Game 2
- “Date”: Friday, May 23, 2025
- “Time”: 8:00 PM ET
- “Location”: Madison Square Garden, New York
- “Broadcast”: TNT
Betting Odds & Predictions
As Game 2 approaches, sportsbooks are leaning toward the Knicks:
- Point Spread: Knicks -5
- Moneyline: Knicks -200 | Pacers +168
- Over/Under: 220.5 points
Top Prop Bets:
- Jalen Brunson: Over 2.5 three-pointers
- Josh Hart: Over 9.5 rebounds
- Obi Toppin: Over 3.5 rebounds
Injury Report: Who’s In & Who’s Out
New York Knicks:
- Julius Randle (shoulder surgery): Out
- Bojan Bogdanovic (foot surgery): Out
- Mitchell Robinson (ankle stress injury): Out
Indiana Pacers:
- Tyrese Haliburton (back spasms) Questionable
- Aaron Nesmith (shoulder): Game-time decision
- Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder): Out
Key Storylines Ahead of Game 2
Jalen Brunson: Can He Do It Again
Brunson dropped 45 points in Game 1, shooting 60% from the field. His aggressive play kept New York afloat, and he’s the focal point heading into Game
Indiana’s Historic Offense
The Pacers were the NBA’s top-scoring team during the regular season, averaging 123.3 PPG. Even in the playoffs, they remain a threat with 113.6 PPG. With multiple scoring options like Buddy Hield, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, Indiana’s depth will test the Knicks’ stamina.
Knicks’ Resilience on Display
New York has proven time and again that they can respond under pressure. Expect Tom Thibodeau to make key defensive adjustments, particularly in defending the arc after Nesmith hit 8-of-9 from deep
Strategic Matchups to Watch
Haliburton vs. Brunson: The battle of All-Star guards could dictate the series.
Bench Scoring: With injuries on both sides, role players like Miles McBride and TJ McConnell will be pivotal.
Paint Protection: Can KAT and Isaiah Hartenstein hold off Turner’s interior and stretch threat?
Final Take
Knicks’ Redemption or Pacers’ Dominance
Game 2 is a make-or-break moment for New York. Lose again at home, and they head to Indiana down 0–2. Win, and momentum shifts in their favor. Fans can expect a gritty, emotional battle with playoff intensity at its peak.