The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are set to square off in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. While this wasn’t the matchup most fans anticipated heading into the NBA Playoffs, it offers a thrilling revival of a classic 1990s rivalry and presents some intriguing player prop bets to consider.
These two teams last met in the playoffs just a year ago, with Indiana emerging victorious in a grueling seven-game second-round series. This time, the Knicks come in healthier and with a retooled roster, thanks to key acquisitions like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns during the offseason.
The series is expected to hinge on a contrast of styles—Indiana’s uptempo offense and deep bench versus the Knicks’ physicality and strength on the offensive glass. With that narrative in mind, here are three of the best player prop bets to watch for Game 1:
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 36.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Towns struggled at times in the previous series against the Boston Celtics but delivered his best outing in Game 6. Now facing the Pacers, he should have more room to operate offensively, even if he faces challenges on the defensive end.
You can bet on Towns to go over 36.5 in combined points, rebounds, and assists at -110 odds on DraftKings. History suggests he could deliver—he registered over this number in two of three regular-season games against Indiana, including a 40-point performance on February 11. The one time he fell short, he still posted solid numbers with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Given the matchup, there’s a strong case for taking the over in Game 1.
Tyrese Haliburton Under 23.5 Points + Rebounds
Haliburton is known for his playmaking more than scoring or rebounding, which makes this under a compelling option. The line is set at 23.5 combined points and rebounds, with odds at -125 on DraftKings.
He has had mixed results against the Knicks this season—scoreless on October 25, a 35-point explosion on November 11, and a 16-point, five-rebound showing on February 11. While he’s more than capable of racking up assists, his production in points and rebounds has varied.
Given his facilitation-first role and the tough Knicks defense, the under on this combo looks like a solid pick for Game 1.
Mikal Bridges 2+ Steals
Mikal Bridges has emerged as a defensive force during this postseason and has consistently made an impact forcing turnovers. You can get him to record two or more steals in Game 1 at +120 on DraftKings.
Bridges snatched at least one steal in every game of the Knicks’ previous series against the Celtics, tallying two or more in four of those six games. He also posted three steals in three games during the first-round series versus the Pistons.
Though the Pacers—particularly Haliburton—protect the ball well, Bridges’ high activity level on defense makes this a value pick at plus money.
With Game 1 looming, these three player props offer a variety of angles—highlighting star power, matchups, and individual roles in what promises to be a hard-fought series between two classic Eastern Conference rivals.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com