The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are set to face off once again in a thrilling playoff showdown, with a coveted NBA Finals berth on the line. This latest chapter in the historic New York-Indiana postseason rivalry unfolds during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, marking a significant moment as one team aims to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in at least 25 years.
Game 1 of this high-stakes series will take place on Wednesday night at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are making their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, having secured their spot by defeating the reigning champion Boston Celtics in a hard-fought six-game series. Prior to that, the Knicks triumphed over the Detroit Pistons in the first round, also in six games.
Leading the charge for the Knicks is the exceptional Jalen Brunson, who has been nothing short of phenomenal throughout the playoffs. Brunson is currently averaging an impressive 28.8 points per game in the 2025 postseason and has consistently delivered in clutch moments, particularly in the fourth quarter.
The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, have reached this stage by eliminating both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games each. Last season, the Pacers faced off against the Knicks in the second round, where they emerged victorious, ultimately reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, only to be swept by the Celtics.
Historically, the Pacers have not made it to the NBA Finals since 2000, when they overcame the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals to earn their spot. The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, famously defeating the Pacers in the same round to secure their place.
Fans eager to catch the action can find the complete schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals below:
Game 1: Wednesday, May 21 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxGame 2: Friday, May 23 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxGame 3: Sunday, May 25 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxGame 4: Tuesday, May 27 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxGame 5: Thursday, May 29 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxGame 6: Saturday, May 31 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxGame 7: Monday, June 2 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/MaxFor those interested in the betting odds, here’s what you need to know:
Series odds: Knicks -148, Pacers +126Game 1 odds: Knicks -4.5, O/U 223As the Knicks prepare to take on the Pacers, fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this exciting series. Will the Knicks return to the NBA Finals for the first time in over two decades, or will the Pacers reclaim their legacy? Tune in to find out!
