- What: NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 3
- When: May 25, 2025
- Who: New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
The New York Knicks will face the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday. The game will tip off at 5 p.m. PST.
The Pacers lead the series 2-0, although the Knicks won the regular-season series 2-1. Indiana gained control of the playoff series with a 114-109 victory on Friday.
They successfully covered the spread as 6-point underdogs, and the game went under the total of 223.5 points.
Pascal Siakam was the standout performer, scoring 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, while all five starters contributed with double-digit points. The Pacers outscored the Knicks 65-57 in the second half to complete the sweep on the road.
For New York, Jalen Brunson topped the scoring chart with 36 points and 11 assists. However, the Knicks struggled defensively against the Pacers’ three-point shooting, as Indiana connected on 13 of 30 attempts (43.3%) from beyond the arc on Friday.
The Knicks had opportunities late in the game, but Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner each hit two crucial free throws in the last 14 seconds, while Brunson missed two three-point attempts.
Despite any potential lineup changes, it’s hard to see how the Knicks can turn the tide in this series, especially if they allow the Pacers to dictate the pace of play.
Indiana ranks second in offensive rating and first in effective field goal percentage this postseason, while the Knicks are seventh and tenth in those categories.
Trying to match the Pacers’ up-tempo style does not favor New York.
While Jalen Brunson has been performing well, the Knicks have had difficulty maintaining consistent scoring from other players throughout the game.
Compounding their challenges, New York recorded a defensive rating exceeding 154 with Towns on the court in Game 2, which led coach Tom Thibodeau to bench him in the fourth quarter.
On the other hand, the Pacers have excelled with their shooting and have effectively utilized their deep rotation. The Knicks lack that same depth, making their task even more daunting.
Unless New York can drastically improve its defensive performance, it’s difficult to envision them overcoming this fiery Pacers team, which has lost just two games this postseason, with only one defeat at home.
Best Bet: Pacers Money Line at -130 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
