The Indiana Pacers head to the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks in what projects to be a high-scoring NBA affair. Both teams boast impressive offensive arsenals and have consistently been involved in games exceeding current market totals. This prediction will explore why the Over presents a compelling wagering opportunity.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Indiana Pacers (50-32) vs. New York Knicks (51-31)
• Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
• The Line (Example): New York Knicks -3.5; Over/Under: 220.5 (Odds: Over -115 / Under -115)

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview

The Indiana Pacers (50-32) have enjoyed a successful season, largely driven by their high-octane offense. Spearheaded by the playmaking prowess of Tyrese Haliburton (18.6 PPG, 9.2 APG) and the scoring of Pascal Siakam (20.2 PPG), the Pacers average an impressive 117.4 points per game (7th in NBA) and possess an offensive rating of 116.5 (9th). They play at the 7th fastest pace in the league (99.9 possessions per game). While their defense is middle-of-the-road (114.3 DRtg, 13th), their games see an average of 232.5 total points (117.4 for, 115.1 against). The season-ending injury to Isaiah Jackson (torn Achilles) impacts their frontcourt depth, but their offensive identity remains.

New York Knicks Betting Preview

The New York Knicks (51-31) have also had a stellar season, showcasing a potent offensive attack. Led by the dynamic Jalen Brunson (26.0 PPG, 7.3 APG) and, according to the provided roster data, the formidable Karl-Anthony Towns (24.4 PPG, 12.8 RPG), their offense ranks highly, averaging 115.8 points per game (9th) with an offensive rating of 118.5 (5th). Similar to the Pacers, their defensive rating is 114.3 (14th). The Knicks prefer a slower pace (96.7, 26th), but their offensive efficiency is undeniable. Games involving the Knicks have averaged 227.5 total points (115.8 for, 111.7 against). Playing at Madison Square Garden, they’ll look to leverage their home-court advantage.

Statistical Breakdown for the Total

When evaluating the Over/Under of 220.5, several key statistics suggest a game that could comfortably surpass this total:

• Combined Average Scoring:
  • Pacers average 117.4 PPG.
  • Knicks average 115.8 PPG.
  • Their combined average is 233.2 points, a significant 12.7 points above the 220.5 line.
• Pace of Play:
  • Indiana plays at the 7th fastest pace, naturally leading to more possessions.
  • While New York is slower (26th), the Pacers’ style could influence the tempo, or the Knicks’ offensive efficiency could make up for fewer possessions.
• Offensive Ratings:
  • Knicks: 118.5 (5th)
  • Pacers: 116.5 (9th)
  • Both teams are in the top 10 for offensive efficiency, indicating they score effectively on a per-possession basis.
• Average Game Totals:
  • Pacers’ games average 232.5 total points.
  • Knicks’ games average 227.5 total points.
  • The average of these two figures is 230.0, which is 9.5 points higher than the current line of 220.5.
• Defensive Ratings:
  • Both teams have nearly identical defensive ratings (Pacers 114.3, 13th; Knicks 114.3, 14th), which are not elite and suggest vulnerabilities that strong offenses can exploit.

Prediction: Why the Over 220.5 is the Play

While the Knicks prefer a more deliberate pace, the offensive firepower on both sides is undeniable. The Indiana Pacers will look to push the tempo, and even if the game settles into a slightly slower rhythm than Indiana prefers, the sheer scoring talent, featuring stars like Haliburton, Siakam, Brunson, and Towns, points towards a high-scoring contest.

Both teams have offensive ratings in the top 10 and defensive ratings that are average. The season-long data shows that games involving these teams consistently produce totals higher than 220.5. The average total points in Pacers’ games (232.5) and Knicks’ games (227.5) are both well clear of the line.

Given these factors, the Over/Under line of 220.5 appears to underestimate the scoring potential in this matchup. Even if playoff intensity tightens things up slightly, the offensive efficiency and talent should prevail.

Our Pick: Over 220.5 points (-115)