The Eastern Conference Finals everyone expected: Knicks vs. Pacers. It’s a fitting matchup since the last time New York reached the conference finals was in 2000 … against Indiana.
The Pacers won the matchup 25 years ago, and they won the second-round series against the Knicks last year, too. New York will be looking to flip the script this time with a new-look squad.
Jalen Brunson remains the head of the snake, but Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are new additions that have made significant impacts. Meanwhile, the Pacers have the same core as last year led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Game 1 is set for Wednesday, May 21 at 8 p.m. ET. The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites at home and the total is set at 224 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here are my favorite Brunson prop bets for Game 1.
Best Jalen Brunson Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Jalen Brunson over 28.5 points (-120)
With each playoff game, Brunson cements his legacy higher and higher in Knicks history. The 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year is lethal in the fourth quarter and a major reason why New York is in the conference finals.
Brunson’s first-round series against the Pistons was magnificent. Aside from a dud in Game 5, Brunson topped 30 points in each of the other five games. He averaged 31.5 points per game on 43.6 percent shooting from the field in six games against Detroit.
His scoring dipped against the Celtics, but that was to be expected with how many good perimeter defenders Boston has. Brunson scored 30-plus in just one game, needing the supporting cast to step up to defeat the well-rounded Celtics.
This round against Indiana should be similar to that of the Detroit series. Ausar Thompson, although he has great defensive skills, is inexperienced and thus Brunson took advantage in the first round. Thompson picked up at least four fouls in four of the six games against the Knicks.
The Pacers won’t have a sophomore wing primarily guarding Brunson, but they also don’t have elite perimeter defenders like the Celtics. It can be costly against a player of Brunson’s caliber.
Not to mention, the Pacers play at a high pace. The Knicks are a slower team but have shown great success when pushing the pace in playoff games. Matching Indiana’s quick style will only give Brunson more chances to score.
Game 1 will be fast and intense. Brunson will be the focal point, but the Pacers won’t be able to slow him down enough. Take his over at 28.5 points.