The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are facing off once again in the NBA playoffs, this time with a chance to secure a spot in the NBA Finals. The Pacers currently lead the Eastern Conference Finals 3-1 after their Game 4 victory on Tuesday night, putting them just one win away from winning the East. The Knicks must win three straight games to extend their season, with Game 5 scheduled for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are making their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, having eliminated the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games during the second round. Prior to that, they knocked out the Detroit Pistons in six games, with Jaren Branson delivering impressive performances throughout the playoffs, averaging 28.8 points per game, particularly excelling in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers reached this stage by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in five games each. Last season, Indiana beat the Knicks in the second round before being swept by the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Historically, the Pacers have never advanced to the NBA Finals despite making it this far by overcoming the Knicks in the 2000 East Finals, while the Knicks last reached the Finals in 1999, having defeated the Pacers to get there.
Below is the full schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
– Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
– Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109
– Game 3: Pacers 106, Knicks 100
– Game 4: Pacers 130, Knicks 121 (Indiana leads 3-1)
– Game 5: Thursday, May 29 | Pacers vs Knicks | 8 PM, TNT/MAX
– Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | Knicks vs Pacers | 8 PM, TNT/MAX
– Game 7: Monday, June 2 | Pacers vs Knicks | 8 PM, TNT/MAX
Knicks vs. Pacers Odds (via Fan Duel)
– Series Odds: Knicks +430, Pacers -590
– Game 5 Odds: Knicks -4, Over/Under 223
In Game 5, Karl-Anthony Towns is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play. Coach Tom Thibodeau may limit his minutes if he’s not fully fit, which could affect his stats. While Towns might not meet the points expectation, his rebounds are of interest. With Mitchell Robinson starting alongside him, Towns might have fewer rebound chances to compete with another big man. It’s unlikely he’ll play enough to exceed 12 rebounds.
Recommended Bet: Towns under 11.5 rebounds.
Fan Take: This intense playoff series showcases the resurgence of two historic franchises battling for a coveted finals spot, sparking excitement and nostalgia among fans. The outcome could reshape the Eastern Conference dynamics and highlight rising stars who might impact the league for years to come.
