The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers will begin their second-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs Monday with Game 1 from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Knicks finished off the 76ers in six games to reach this round, while the Pacers took out the Bucks in six games as well. Indiana won two of the three meetings in the regular season between these two teams.
New York is clean on the day-to-day injury front. Tyrese Haliburton continues to be listed as questionable with back spasms but is expected to play.
The Knicks are 6-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook with the total sitting at 217. New York is -230 on the moneyline while Indiana is +190.
Pacers vs. Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: Knicks -6
The regular season games don’t mean much since the Knicks didn’t have OG Anunoby for any of those games and the Pacers didn’t have Pascal Siakam. Those two are likely to be matched up on each other, and that’ll be the battle that could swing the series. The Knicks went 3-3 ATS against the 76ers while the Pacers were also 3-3 ATS in their series against Milwaukee.
Both teams were solid against the number during the regular season but I think the Knicks have played better basketball down the stretch and have been more consistent. Indiana was fortunate to deal with a hampered Bucks team but this New York squad is much better. I’ll take the home team to get the win and start this series off on the right foot.
Over/Under: Under 217
The Knicks were 4-2 to the over in their six games with the 76ers but all of those totals were lower than this line. New York’s defense has been formidable at home, and the Pacers struggle to put points up on the road. Indiana’s offense is nearly 20 points worse away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and I believe that offensive inconsistency will remain in Game 1. Combine that with a strong Knicks defense and I like the under here.