2024/25 NBA East Finals - Knicks at Pacers (Game 6)
Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks is set for Sunday in Indianapolis. The Pacers lead the series 3-2 and aim to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals, while the Knicks will be desperate to force a Game 7 back in New York. Here is a preview of the Game 6 action.
Knicks at Pacers (IND leads series 3-2)
The Knicks head into Game 6 riding high after a dominant 111-94 win over the Pacers in Game 5 at the Garden. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 32 points on a super-efficient 66.7% shooting night, reminding everyone why he’s the heart of this Knicks squad. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 24 points and a massive 13 boards, giving New York a much-needed interior presence. Josh Hart continues to be the ultimate X-factor, impacting the game with hustle plays, defence, and clutch rebounds.
Despite being banged up and undermanned, the Knicks have shown serious toughness all postseason. Ranked 3rd in the East, they’ve handled adversity well and keep finding ways to stay alive. Punters should note that New York is 7-2 against the spread in its last nine road games and 6-3 straight up as an underdog - something worth keeping in mind heading into this elimination matchup. That said, they've also failed to cover the line in each of their last four games following a win, which raises some red flags around consistency.
With the series shifting back to Indiana and the Pacers looking to close it out at home, the Knicks will need another heroic performance from Brunson and continued support from their role players. The pressure’s on - but if Game 5 is anything to go by, this team isn't going down without a fight.
The Pacers took a hit in Game 5, falling 111-94 on the road, but they’re in a solid spot heading back to Indiana with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to close it out at home. Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with 23 points and 9 rebounds on 60% shooting, but Indiana struggled to generate consistent offence, especially with Pascal Siakam shooting just 38.5% from the field.
That said, this is a team that’s been incredibly tough to beat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, going 16-4 straight up in their last 20 home games. The crowd has been a real factor, and that energy could make all the difference in Game 6.
Tyrese Haliburton will be central to everything the Pacers do offensively - when he’s orchestrating, the ball moves better, the pace increases, and shooters like Mathurin and Nesmith find rhythm. Indiana’s been reliable against the spread lately too, covering in five of their last seven games. And here’s a stat that jumps off the page: the Pacers have won eight straight games immediately following a loss.
That bounce-back ability is key in the playoffs and speaks to their mental toughness. Sitting 4th in the East, they’ve flown under the radar a bit, but don’t be surprised if they punch their ticket to the Finals Sunday morning. If they tighten up defensively and Haliburton gets cooking early, they’re in prime position to finish the job.
Stadium Record
Indiana holds a 16-4 record at home in their last 20 games. New York are 2-2 in their last 4.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10, the Pacers lead 6-4 and hold a 3-2 series advantage in the East finals.
Best Bet
A great win for the Knicks in Game 5 and they kept the series alive. It will be much tougher on the road through and I don't see Haliburton having 2 bad games in a row. However, I think the points is the safer bet as this game could easily go either way. Overall, the Over is 4-1 in the Pacers last 5 games on their home court.
Same Game Multi
I can see Haliburton bouncing back from a Game 5 shocker. He scored 32 pts in his last game at home and has scored 20+ pts in 3 of his last 5 games. Josh Hart is an elite rebounder for the Knicks, beating 10+ boards in 4 of his last 5 outings.
Over 218.5 pts / Tyrese Haliburton 20+ pts / Josh Hart 10+ rebounds = $4.60
