Stephen A. Smith Makes Knicks-Pacers ECF Prediction Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 19, 2025 12:55 PM ET

The Eastern Conference Finals are set, but tip-off remains 48 hours away. The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers will both get extended rest ahead of the matchup, as the Western Conference playoffs were extended with a remarkable series underway.

One of the Knicks or Pacers will represent the East in the NBA Finals, with both aiming to secure their first NBA title since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976.

The Knicks, of course, raised a banner after a championship victory in 1973.

Still, neither of the two sides was the No. 1 or No. 2 seeds at the end of the regular season, yet both have increased odds of winning a championship now.

Heading into Game 1 of the series, the Knicks -- at Madison Square Garden -- opened as a 3.5-point favorite over the Pacers.

The series should be a long one, assuming both sides -- who seem evenly matched -- protect their home court through the first four games.

ESPN pundit and Knicks superfan Stephen A. Smith has already logged his prediction, too.

"There is a different flavor [at the Garden], a different vibe that forces the opposition at times to shrink. And I believe that is what's going to happen in this series," Smith said on ESPN's First Take.

.@stephenasmith takes the Knicks in seven games against the Pacers and a 40% chance to win the NBA Finals

"There is a different flavor [at the Garden], a different vibe that forces the opposition at times to shrink. And I believe that is what's going to happen in this… pic.twitter.com/VBtBqSFKHJ
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 19, 2025

Predicting the Knicks to win in seven games, it's no shock that Smith chose his favorite team to win the series and advance to the NBA Finals.

However, his prediction isn't that far off-base. The two sides, as mentioned, are quite evenly matched. Having home-court advantage certainly plays into New York's favor.

Of course, an NBA playoff series is long, and each team will have plenty of opportunities to separate itself from its opposition.

Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton will have an internal battle, within the series, leading their teams from the point guard role as respective stars in the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: