NBA DFS Picks for the Playoffs: Pacers vs Knicks – Game 2

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers shocked the New York Knicks in an instant classic, pulling out a 138-135 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden. Tyrese Haliburton played the hero, drilling a game-tying buzzer-beater to force OT, where the Pacers completed an improbable comeback. For Knicks fans, this one will sting; New York led by 14 points with under three minutes remaining in regulation before Indiana stormed back stunningly.

If you’ve been following the Pacers this postseason, this kind of late-game magic is starting to feel familiar. They refused to go away, and their resiliency was on full display once again. Let’s dive into my takeaways from Game 1 and what to expect in Game 2 tonight.

Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Recap

Indiana played exactly how they wanted to: fast, aggressive and efficient. They shot 40% from beyond the arc and pushed the tempo throughout the game, keeping the Knicks defense on its heels. Tyrese Haliburton was at the center of it all, running the show with 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting. He added 11 assists to just two turnovers in 42 minutes and hit the biggest shot of the game, a deep two at the buzzer to send it to overtime.

But the breakout performance came from Aaron Nesmith, who came alive when it mattered most. With the game slipping away in the fourth quarter, Nesmith caught fire, drilling clutch three after three to keep Indiana alive. He finished with a playoff career-high 30 points, going an absurd 8-for-9 from deep, a performance Knicks fans won’t soon forget.

New York Knicks Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Recap

The Knicks controlled most of the night and looked ready to take Game 1 until everything unraveled. Up 119-105 with 2:40 to go, New York seemed poised to cruise to a series-opening win, but turnovers, rushed possessions, and Indiana’s relentless pace flipped the script.

Jalen Brunson continued his stellar postseason, scoring a game-high 43 points on 15-of-25 shooting. He was nearly unstoppable getting into the paint, drawing fouls at will, and hitting 12-of-14 free throws. While he struggled from deep (1-of-6 from three), Brunson’s ability to create offense remains the Knicks’ biggest weapon.

Karl-Anthony Towns also delivered a strong outing, pouring in 35 points on 11-of-17 shooting while grabbing 12 rebounds. But despite these big performances, the Knicks couldn’t protect the ball; they turned it over 15 times compared to Indiana’s 7, and that discrepancy proved costly down the stretch.

Knicks vs Pacers Game 2 DFS Picks 

Now the focus shifts to Game 2, where the Knicks are desperate to even the series before heading to Indiana. New York is the home favorite once again. With Indiana playing fast, loose and confident, the Knicks have their hands full again.

Still, there’s one constant the Knicks can count on: Jalen Brunson. He’s been their rock all postseason, and his numbers against Indiana are elite. In eight career playoff games vs. the Pacers, Brunson is averaging 31.4 points. In Game 1, he had 43 points on efficient shooting, plenty of trips to the line and total offensive command.

The line for Brunson’s points in Game 2 is 29.5, and frankly, that feels a little low after Game 1. Given the Knicks’ urgency, Brunson’s role as the primary scoring option and his consistent ability to rise to the moment, another 30+ point performance feels like a safe bet. He’s not shying away from the spotlight and has no problem chucking up shots.

Our Pick: Jalen Brunson to Record 30+ Points