The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals is set to commence with Game 1, featuring a compelling matchup between the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers and the third-seeded New York Knicks. Both franchises have navigated challenging playoff paths to reach this stage. The Indiana Pacers achieved a notable upset, eliminating the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a convincing 4-1 series victory. The New York Knicks, on the other hand, overcame the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, in a hard-fought six-game series.
For the Pacers, this represents an opportunity to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1999-00 season. They were swept in the conference finals last year by Boston. The Knicks are also aiming to reach the Finals for the first time since the same 1999-00 season, and are seeking their first NBA championship since 1972-73. Historically, the Pacers hold a slight edge in their postseason encounters, having won five of the eight previous playoff series against the Knicks.
Game Details and Betting Odds
Game 1 is scheduled to tip off at Madison Square Garden in New York at 8 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks held the advantage during the regular season, winning two out of the three meetings between the teams this year. As the series begins, current betting odds favor the home team.
Based on the latest lines:
- Point Spread: New York -4.5
- Total Points (Over/Under): 223.5
- Moneyline: New York -190, Indiana +158
Key Players for the Knicks
Point guard Jalen Brunson has been a pivotal force for the Knicks throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs, consistently delivering high-level performances. Across 12 playoff starts, he has averaged 28.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, playing significant minutes. His contributions include a strong 39-point, 12-assist performance in Game 4 against the Celtics and scoring 23 points in the decisive Game 6 victory.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns has also been impactful for New York. In his 12 postseason starts, he has averaged 19.8 points and 11.3 rebounds, providing a significant presence in the paint and on the boards. Towns recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds in the Game 6 win over Boston and posted 23 points and 11 rebounds in Game 4 of that series.
Key Players for the Pacers
The Indiana Pacers boast a balanced offensive attack, with power forward Pascal Siakam standing out as a primary scorer. He is one of several Pacers players averaging double-figure points in the playoffs. Over 10 postseason starts, Siakam has averaged 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He was instrumental in closing out the Cavaliers series, scoring 21 points in the decisive Game 5 and contributing 21 points in their Game 4 victory.
Point guard Tyrese Haliburton is crucial to Indiana`s offense, known for his scoring and playmaking. In the Game 5 win over Cleveland, Haliburton delivered an impressive performance with 31 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Earlier in the series, he registered a double-double with 22 points and 13 assists in Game 1 and added 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in Game 2. Across 10 playoff games, Haliburton holds averages of 17.5 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds.
Outlook for Game 1
As these two Eastern Conference contenders meet in Game 1, the matchup highlights contrasting styles and features dynamic players on both sides. The Knicks enter as the slight favorites on their home court, but the Pacers have already demonstrated their capability to overcome higher-seeded opponents. The series opener is expected to be a competitive contest, setting the tone for the battle to reach the NBA Finals.
Jasper Hawthorne