Knicks vs Pacers: Jalen Brunson's Exceptional Form to Steer New York at Madison Square Garden

As the Eastern Conference Semifinals heat up, the New York Knicks are set to host the Indiana Pacers in what promises to be a thrilling Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks, buoyed by Jalen Brunson's exceptional form, are looking to leverage their home advantage and take a decisive step towards securing their spot in the next round.

The betting landscape has seen some interesting shifts leading up to this pivotal matchup. The moneyline odds have slightly favored the Knicks, moving from -138 at opening to a current standing of -134, indicating a strong belief in their ability to clinify victory on home soil. This slight adjustment reflects confidence in the Knicks' recent performances and possibly factors in Brunson's impactful play.

On the spread front, the consensus among bookmakers is that the Knicks will cover a -2 point spread, with odds holding steady at -110. This spread suggests a close contest but gives the edge to New York, likely due to their defensive resilience and offensive firepower led by Brunson.

The total points market indicates an expectation of a moderately high-scoring affair with the line set at 216.5 points. Bettors are overwhelmingly favoring the over, with 89 percent leaning towards a game where both teams push the pace and rack up scores. This enthusiasm for an offensive showcase could stem from both teams' recent tendencies to engage in high-scoring duels.

Betting trends reveal an overwhelming support for the Knicks among bettors, with 85 percent backing them on the moneyline and 64 percent believing they will cover the spread. This confidence could be attributed to New York's solid performance at home and Brunson's ability to elevate his game under pressure.

As fans gear up for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on Jalen Brunson and whether he can continue his stellar postseason run. His leadership and scoring prowess have been instrumental for the Knicks so far, making him a key factor in tilting odds in their favor.

For those looking to catch this eagerly anticipated showdown live, Madison Square Garden is the place to be on May 14th at 8:00 PM ET. Fans not able to attend can still partake in the excitement through broadcasts available on TNT and truTV, ensuring no one misses out on what is set up to be an unforgettable night of basketball action.