NBA Finals predictions: Are the Thunder and Knicks locks for the NBA Finals?
The For The Hoops crew make their picks for the NBA Finals. The Thunder vs. Knicks seem to be a popular pick, but are we counting the Timberwolves and Pacers out too early?
The Eastern Conference finals continue with the New York Knicks heading to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. The Pacers lead the series 2-0.
The Pacers defeated the Knicks 114-109 in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden after taking Game 1 in overtime. Pascal Siakam had a career-best playoff performance, leading the Pacers with 39 points and five rebounds, shooting 15-for-23 from the field. Myles Turner also contributed significantly to the victory with 16 points. Tyrese Haliburton stood out for the Pacers as well, recording 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds as they continue their playoff run.
Now, the series shifts back to Indianapolis where the Knicks hope to avoid a 3-0 deficit. The Eastern Conference finals Game 3 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks is at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
Follow along with USA TODAY Sports for all the highlights and updates from the Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3:
The Knicks started the quarter fast, taking an 11-6 lead, their largest of the first quarter, before giving it away. They trail, 30-26.
Indiana went on a 10-4 run to take its first lead of the game after Ben Sheppard made a 3-point shot off an assist from Tyrese Haliburton.
Myles Turner scored five points after shooting 2-for-3 from the field. Haliburton had four points, two assists and two rebounds.
The Pacers’ bench contributed 13 points, while the Knicks’ reserves nearly went scoreless before Josh Hart added two points late.
Jalen Brunson scored 11 points for the Knicks after shooting 2-of-6 from the field.
What time is Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks?
Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks is set to start at 8 p.m. ET, on Sunday May 25.
How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks: TV, stream
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
- TV: TNT, truTV
- Stream: Sling TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, Max
Watch Pacers vs. Knicks Game 3 on Fubo
The New York Knicks, down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference finals, are making a change to their starting lineup.
Center Mitchell Robinson will be on the floor for tipoff, replacing forward Josh Hart, who has struggled in the series.
Hart, who scored just six points on 2-of-3 shooting Friday night in New York’s 114-109 loss, had started all 77 regular-season games he appeared in this season, as well as the team’s 14 postseason games. Known for being a high-energy player who excels on the glass and pushes the ball up the floor, Hart had been finding it difficult to make an impact against the Pacers.
Robinson has been a steady spark off the bench for Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, particularly on offensive rebounding and defensive rotations.
Alex Palou, who wore a Tyrese Haliburton jersey during the Indy 500 parade through downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, and his team planned for a possible Game 3 trip.
The Indy 500 winner greeted the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, wearing the winner’s ring and wreath, during the second quarter. His attendance came just hours after becoming the first Spaniard to win the legendary race held in Indianapolis since 1911.
Alex Palou finally got the one piece missing from his IndyCar resume: an Indianapolis 500 victory.
The three-time IndyCar Series champion passed Marcus Ericsson with 14 laps remaining and held off the 2022 Indy 500 winner and 2023 runner-up to win the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” under caution as Nolan Siegel before the leaders took the checkered flag.
Palou, driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, became the first Spaniard to win the legendary race that dates back to 1911.
“I cannot believe it. It’s amazing to be here. It’s amazing to win,” an overwhelmed Palou said after climbing from his car. “First oval win. What better place.” ‒ Ellen J. Horrow
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks predictions: Expert picks for Game 3
ESPN: Pacers have a 59/6% chance of winning
According to ESPN’s Matchup predictor, the Indiana Pacers have a 59.6% chance of beating the New York Knicks in Game 3.
Fox Sports: Pacers 116 – Knicks 113
Staff writes: “The Pacers have covered the spread in the same percentage of games at home as away games (46.3%). They have covered 19 times in 41 games at home and 19 times in 41 games on the road. At home, Indiana exceeds the over/under 53.7% of the time (22 of 41 games). It hits the over in the same percentage of road games (22 of 41 contests).”
Bleacher Nation: Pacers 116 – Knicks 113
Staff writes: ” The Pacers average 117.4 points per game (seventh in the league) while allowing 115.1 per outing (17th in the NBA). They have a +183 scoring differential overall and outscore opponents by 2.3 points per game. The Pacers pull down 41.8 rebounds per game (27th in the league) while allowing 45.0 per outing to their opponents. They are outrebounded by 3.2 boards per game.”
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 3 odds
The Indiana Pacers are favored to win Game 3, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Saturday, May 24.
- Spread: Pacers (-2)
- Moneyline: Pacers (-130), Knicks (+110)
- Over/under: 224
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Eastern Conference finals schedule
Pacers lead series 2-0
- Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
- Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109
- Game 3: Knicks at Pacers
- Game 4, May 27: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, 8 p.m.
- Game 5, May 29: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, 8 p.m.*
- Game 6, May 31: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, 8 p.m.*
- Game 7, June 2: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, 8 p.m.*
