Can the Knicks Stave Off Elimination in NBA Eastern Conference Finals?
The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals have delivered a thrilling battle between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Game 6 is set to tip off on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers lead the series 3-2. The Knicks fought off elimination with a commanding 111-94 victory in Game 5.
This matchup is a rematch of last season’s second-round playoff series. It has been marked by intense competition. High-scoring performances and critical individual matchups have also characterized it. With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, both teams are poised for a pivotal showdown. This preview covers current odds, injury updates, key matchups, predictions, and how to watch the game on TV.
Current Odds for NBA Eastern Conference Finals
According to Bet105 Reduced Juice Sportsbook, the latest odds for Game 6 are as follows:
- Spread: Pacers -4 (-102), Knicks +4 (-108)
- Money Line: Pacers -178, Knicks +148
- Over/Under: 221.5 points (Over -105, Under -107
These odds reflect Indiana’s home-court advantage and their strong 5-2 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the 2025 playoffs. The Pacers have covered the spread in five of their last six playoff games. The Knicks are 33-24-1 against the spread (ATS) with equal rest. This record showcases their resilience in high-stakes situations. The over/under of 220.5 suggests expectations of a high-scoring game. This is consistent with the series’ trend. The over has hit in three of the last four meetings between these teams.
Injury Information
Both teams enter Game 6 with relatively clean injury reports. This is a significant shift from last season. The Knicks were plagued by injuries then. For the Knicks, center Karl-Anthony Towns was listed as questionable with a knee issue before Game 5. He played through it and delivered 24 points and 13 rebounds. This performance came despite foul trouble. He is expected to be available for Game 6, though his knee may require monitoring. The Knicks have no other major injuries reported. Key players like Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson appear healthy.
For the Pacers, forward Aaron Nesmith was questionable with an ankle injury earlier in the series. He has been available since Game 4 and is contributing defensively against Brunson. All other starters, including Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, are reported healthy. Indiana’s depth, including bench players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell, has been a strength, and no significant injuries are expected to impact their rotation.
Key Matchups
Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton
The marquee matchup pits two of the NBA’s premier clutch performers against each other. Jalen Brunson is the Knicks’ star point guard. He is the 2025 NBA Clutch Player of the Year. He has been a dominant force, averaging 30.1 points, 7 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs. In Game 5, he scored 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, setting the tone early. His ability to score in isolation and navigate pick-and-rolls makes him a nightmare for Indiana’s defense. The Pacers have tried Aaron Nesmith. They have also assigned Andrew Nembhard to slow him down. Brunson’s physicality and mid-range game have often prevailed.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s playmaking maestro, just came off a disappointing Game 5. He scored only 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting. However, his Game 4 performance—a 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound triple-double with zero turnovers—showcased his ability to dominate. Haliburton averages 18.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in the playoffs.
His ability to push the pace is critical for Indiana. He also finds open shooters in transition. The Knicks have used Mikal Bridges to face-guard Haliburton, limiting his shot attempts in Game 5. This matchup will likely determine the game’s tempo, as Brunson thrives in half-court sets while Haliburton excels in transition.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Myles Turner
The battle in the paint between Karl-Anthony Towns and Myles Turner is another pivotal matchup. Towns has been a consistent double-double machine, averaging 21.4 points and 11.5 rebounds in the playoffs. He has an impressive ability to stretch the floor with 3-point shooting, making 40% in the series. This skill pulls Turner away from the rim. It neutralizes Indiana’s shot-blocking presence. Towns dominated their lone 2025 regular-season meeting, scoring 40 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. In Game 5, he battled through foul trouble to deliver 24 points and 13 rebounds, exploiting Turner’s inconsistent defensive positioning.
Turner, averaging 16.5 points and 2.5 blocks per game in the postseason, is a rim protector but struggles when drawn out to the perimeter. His 3-point shooting (1.8 threes per game) forces Towns to defend in space, where the Knicks’ center has shown inconsistent habits. If Turner can hold his own defensively and hit open shots, he could tilt this matchup in Indiana’s favor. However, Towns’ mobility and scoring versatility give New York an edge.
Mitchell Robinson vs. Indiana’s Bench
The Knicks’ backup center Mitchell Robinson has been a game-changer on the glass, particularly on offensive rebounds. In Game 2, he played 29 minutes, grabbing nine rebounds (including eight offensive) and scoring six points. His ability to generate second-chance points and disrupt Indiana’s pick-and-roll defense with his rim protection is critical.
The Pacers’ bench, led by Bennedict Mathurin (23 points in Game 5) and T.J. McConnell, provides scoring depth, averaging 35.7 points per game. However, Indiana’s backup bigs, like Thomas Bryant and Ben Sheppard, have struggled against New York’s physicality. Robinson’s dominance on the boards could swing the rebounding battle, which analysts predict will be a deciding factor.
NBA Eastern Conference Finals Predictions
The series has been a rollercoaster. Indiana jumped to a 2-0 lead. New York fought back with wins in Games 3 and 5. The Pacers’ high-octane offense, which shot 50.1% from the field and 40. They achieved 6% from three in the first two rounds. The offense has been slowed by New York’s physical defense. This was particularly evident in Game 5, where Indiana scored a series-low 100 points. However, Indiana’s 6-1 road record in the playoffs and 5-2 home record give them confidence at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Knicks are led by Brunson’s clutch heroics. Towns provides consistent production. They have shown resilience by erasing double-digit deficits earlier in the playoffs. Their 33-24-1 ATS record with equal rest and 5-1 road ATS record suggest they can compete in Indianapolis. The Pacers’ depth and home-court advantage make them slight favorites. Analysts are split. Some, like SportsLine’s Bruce Marshall, lean toward Indiana covering the spread due to their home dominance. Others, like The Athletic’s Sam Amick, favor New York’s experience and physicality in a close game.
Prediction: The Pacers will leverage their home crowd. Haliburton’s expected bounce-back performance will help them win Game 6, 115-110. This victory will advance them to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. The Knicks could stave off elimination if Brunson and Towns continue their 20-point streak. This is a feat only achieved by two other duos in conference finals history. The Knicks could force a Game 7. The game is likely to go over 220.5 points, given the offensive firepower on both sides.
How to Watch
Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be broadcast live on TNT and Max at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Fans can stream the game via the NBA League Pass. They can also use services like fuboTV, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. For those following along on mobile devices, the NBA app provides live updates and highlights.
Conclusion
Game 6 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals promises to be a high-stakes clash. It features two teams with rich histories and contrasting styles. The Knicks’ physicality and star power are led by Brunson and Towns. They will face off against the Pacers’ depth and fast-paced offense. Haliburton and Siakam drive this dynamic.
Key matchups, particularly in the backcourt and paint, will dictate the outcome. Rebounding and defensive execution are likely to decide the winner. While the Pacers have the edge at home, the Knicks’ resilience makes this a toss-up. Tune in to TNT or Max to catch what could be the defining moment of this thrilling series.
Read our review of Bet105. Discover why Handicappers Hideaway considers them one of the top reduced juice online sportsbooks in the world. They are a must have out for any serious sports bettor.