The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are clashing again in the NBA playoffs, this time battling for a spot in the NBA Finals. Their intense rivalry continues in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, with both teams aiming to reach the Finals for the first time in over 25 years. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-1, but the Knicks gained a boost after a comeback win in Game 3, erasing a 20-point deficit on Indiana’s home court. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night.
The Knicks are making their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 after defeating the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, in six games during the second round. They also swept the Detroit Pistons in the opening round, with Jaren Brunson delivering an impressive playoff performance, averaging 28.8 points per game, especially excelling in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers earned their place by overcoming the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in five games each. Last season, Indiana defeated the Knicks in the second round to reach the Eastern Conference Finals but were swept by the Celtics. The Pacers have never reached the NBA Finals since their 2000 Eastern Conference Finals appearance, where they lost to the Knicks. Conversely, the Knicks haven’t been to the Finals since 1999, which was after overcoming the Pacers in the East Finals.
Here is the full schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals:
Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
Always in the East
- Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
- Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109
- Game 3: Pacers 106, Knicks 100 — Indiana leads 2-1
- Game 4: Tuesday, May 27 | Knicks vs Pacers | 8pm, TNT/MAX
- Game 5: Thursday, May 29 | Pacers vs Knicks | 8pm, TNT/MAX
- *Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | Knicks vs Pacers | 8pm, TNT/MAX
- *Game 7: Monday, June 2 | Pacers vs Knicks | 8pm, TNT/MAX
Knicks vs. Pacers Betting Odds (via FanDuel):
- Series odds: Pacers -220, Knicks +184
- Game 4 odds: Pacers -2.5, Over/Under 221
In Game 3, Aaron Nesmith sprained his ankle in the third quarter, a factor that helped trigger New York’s comeback. Though he returned to the court and moved well, the true state of his injury remains uncertain two days later. Nesmith was a standout player in Game 1 and throughout the playoffs but missed 35 games this season due to an ankle sprain. The Knicks plan to carefully monitor Nesmith’s ankle early and often in the upcoming game, leveraging their team depth to limit his minutes if needed.
Prediction: Nesmith will score under 12.5 points in Game 4.
Fan Take: This intense Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Knicks and Pacers is not just a battle for the NBA Finals but a clash rich with history and pride. For basketball fans, it’s a thrilling reminder of the sport’s enduring rivalries and the drama that keeps the playoffs captivating year after year.
