2025 NBA East Finals Game 5 Preview - Indiana vs. New York: Will the Pacers closeout the Knicks at MSG? May 29, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 8:00 PM EDT at Madison Square Garden in New York City. With a 3-1 series lead, the Pacers can punch their ticket to the NBA Finals with a win on the Knicks' home floor.

Series Overview and Stakes

Indiana has been in control throughout the playoffs, winning each of their previous series in just five games. Now, with a commanding 3-1 advantage over New York, they are one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000—when they also defeated the Knicks in the Conference Finals. Meanwhile, the Knicks are in must-win territory, aiming to extend the series in front of their loyal home crowd at The Garden.

Recent Performance and Standout Players

The Pacers showcased their offensive strength in Game 4, securing a 130-121 victory. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with a historic triple-double—32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds—with zero turnovers, becoming the first player to achieve this stat line in playoff history since turnovers were first officially recorded in 1977-78. Pascal Siakam added 30 points, and Bennedict Mathurin contributed 20 off the bench.

For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson tallied 31 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby combined for 46. Despite the loss, New York has demonstrated resilience, notably coming back from a 20-point deficit in Game 3 to keep their Finals hopes alive. Defense and communication have played key roles in their efforts, but rebounding remains an issue—the Pacers have struggled to control the glass, giving the Knicks a consistent edge in second-chance opportunities.

Indiana vs. New York Sports Bet Odds

The Pacers are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Pacers are favored in the point spread by 5 points, with a money line of -195.
• The Knicks are the underdogs in the point spread by 5 points, with a money line of +170.
• The Total is set at 223 points, with both the Over and Under at -110.

Key Factors and Matchups

Pacers' Bench Production
Indiana's second unit, averaging 35.7 points per game on 48% shooting in the playoffs, could be a game-changer. Contributions from Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin will be essential as the series progresses.

Knicks' Defensive Endurance
New York must maintain focus and cohesion on the defensive end. Mitchell Robinson's ability to protect the rim and control the boards will be critical, particularly against Indiana's pick-and-roll-heavy offense and the Haliburton-Turner shooting duo.

Final Thoughts

Game 5 at Madison Square Garden is set to be a thrilling, high-stakes encounter. The Pacers are poised to close out the series, while the Knicks fight to stay alive in front of one of the NBA's most passionate fan bases. With star talent, strategic adjustments, and postseason pressure all in play, this could be one of the defining games of the 2025 playoffs.

2025 Comparative Indiana vs. New York Postseason Stats

Indiana Pacers	VS	New York Knicks
118.5	Points Per Game	109.6
39.8	Rebounds Per Game	42.6
28.5	Assists Per Game	19.5
7.1	Steals Per Game	7.6
11.4	Turnovers Per Game	4.7