NBA Playoffs Expert Picks, Wednesday Odds: Pacers at Knicks Game 2

The New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers rivalry remix goes into Game 2 on Wednesday night as the only NBA playoff game that night. It was called a remix, but Game 1 put the memories of the storied rivalry on hold with an offensive explosion , which the Knicks-Pacers teams of the 90s rarely achieved. The match at Madison Square Garden ended with a stunning final score of 121-117 without overtime.

Something that looks familiar to anyone who has ever watched a Knicks game? The evening didn't end without a bit of drama, which we'll get into below.

But ultimately, Game 1 promised a top-notch thriller, and today's game could continue to live up to the hype. Here's a look at Wednesday's only NBA playoff game, with personnel picks, odds and a preview.

All odds from BetMGM. Find the best deals on tickets on StubHub.

No. 6 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 2 New York Knicks

How to watch: 8 p.m. ET on TNT

Series odds: Knicks -400, Pacers +300

New York leads the series 1-0

The big headlines from Game 1 of this series, as so often in the NBA playoffs, revolved around the referee's office. And yes, if you're a Pacers fan — or a person with eyes — a moving screen call late in the fourth quarter and a huge flop by Donte DiVincenzo in the final seconds of a playoff game felt like highly questionable ones decision. That was in addition to a kick-ball call that the NBA's postgame report admitted was a mistake.

Yes, that was frustrating and shouldn't happen in playoff games.

But focusing on the refereeing misses some of the best storylines from this dark, explosive Game 1. Unlike the Knicks-Pacers rivalry of the '90s, this Monday night matchup was all about the offense – the final score was 238 points in regulation.

The Pacers led for most of the game and looked fast and physical, but the Knicks simply outplayed, outplayed and outran them in the fourth quarter.

But let’s not forget Aaron Nesmith’s monster dunk.

AARON NESMITH ON HEAD 😤 pic.twitter.com/V3VP8VEStN

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 7, 2024

Jalen Brunson was, as expected, the hero of the winning team, and there wasn't much on the Pacers side that could match him. Brunson is on pace to set an NBA playoff record with his fourth consecutive 40-point game. He sits up there with Michael Jordan (1993) and Bernard King (1984). Two more and he will tie Jerry West (1965) for the all-time record. He scored 21 of those points in the fourth quarter, and the Pacers had no answer.

Myles Turner was the leading scorer for Indiana with 23 points. Three Knicks players had more than that. Tyrese Haliburton only had 6 points and two rebounds, although he had eight assists.

But here's what the Knicks need to pay attention to: Only 3 of their 121 points came from their bench. The Pacers almost won this game thanks to depth that the Knicks just couldn't find. Nearly 40 percent of the Pacers' points came off the bench. The Knicks may win one game, but can they win a seven-game series? They need to figure out how to give their starters a breather, something coach Tom Thibodeau famously doesn't do.

Expert Tips for Pacers on Knicks

Select the ranking list

More NBA playoffs coverage

Anonymous NBA Player Poll 2024: LeBron or Jordan as GOAT? Most overrated? Final favorite?

Hollinger: Is rebounding important? The Knicks and Thunder offer opposite answers

(Photo of Jalen Brunson and TJ McConnell: Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE via Getty Images)