Pacers Seize Momentum: Game 4 Recap and Keys to Victory
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric on May 27 as the Pacers hosted the Knicks for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Heading into tip-off, Indiana had a narrow statistical edge according to both Vegas oddsmakers and ESPN's Basketball Power Index. The Pacers were favored at home, given a 58% chance to win and a modest 1.7-point margin projected. But all eyes weren't just on the teams—this matchup became a focal point for fantasy managers, bettors, and NBA diehards alike.
One storyline swirling before the game was Aaron Nesmith's status, with the forward nursing an ankle injury and his participation a game-time decision. That uncertainty loomed large for Indiana's rotations. Meanwhile, a different subplot played out in the betting market with Josh Hart's player props. Hart, the Knicks' glue guy, had a question mark over his scoring. After scoring only 8, 6, and 8 points in Games 1 through 3, his Game 4 points line was set at a low 7.5—but even that came with extra juice for the over, hinting sportsbooks expected a rebound. Add in Hart's steady rebounding numbers—a consistent double-digit threat all postseason—and it was clear where gamblers saw value.
Fans at home tuned into FOX Sports for the national broadcast, while the game streamed live on NBA League Pass and local Indiana and New York outlets. The added drama of a 2-1 series lead for Indiana meant Game 4 could be a tipping point—either New York would claw back or the Pacers would inch closer to their first Finals trip in over two decades.
Haliburton's Historic Night and What It Means for the Series
The stakes soared even higher once the players hit the court. Tyrese Haliburton, who had already played a critical role in the Pacers' postseason run, delivered his finest performance yet—32 points, 12 rebounds, and a jaw-dropping 15 assists turned this matchup into his personal showcase. The triple-double was the engine behind Indiana's 3-1 series lead, and he owned every moment. What made Haliburton's night even more remarkable was his control in transition and his composure under pressure, as he orchestrated the offense and kept New York's defenders on their heels all night.
For New York, Josh Hart's night was a mixed bag. Despite expectations he might break out of his scoring slump, Hart could not get going offensively yet again. His rebounding continued to be a bright spot, giving the Knicks a fighting chance on second-chance opportunities, but their offense couldn't keep up with Indiana's high-octane attack.
From a betting angle, Haliburton's explosion put player prop markets into chaos, especially for those who gambled on his assists and points. Same-game parlays featuring him paid off big. Hart's combo prop (points plus rebounds) became a sweat, as minutes and touches were hard to come by after New York fell behind early. Indiana covered the spread with ease, rewarding those who trusted the Pacers' home dominance.
This win didn't just boost Indiana's confidence—it handed them a stranglehold on the series. Up 3-1, with the scent of the NBA Finals in the air, the Pacers could almost taste the next round. All eyes now shift to New York: can the Knicks rally, or does Indiana complete the job and punch their ticket to the biggest stage in basketball?
