Knicks and Pacers Reignite Their Rivalry in the Eastern Conference Finals
Here we go again—two teams with a long history, facing off for a ticket to the NBA Finals. The Knicks vs Pacers matchup sets the stage for some of the most heated basketball we've seen in years. The last time the Knicks were this close was back in 2000. Now, they’re battling an Indiana team fresh from a victory over them in last year’s semifinals.
The action started on May 21, when the Pacers took Game 1 in a wild 138-135 shootout. Tyrese Haliburton went off with 31 points and 11 assists, but it was Aaron Nesmith who stole the spotlight—he knocked down a career-high 30 points with eight three-pointers, a playoff record for him. The Knicks weren’t far behind, with Jalen Brunson putting up a monster 43-point game, keeping New York in the fight until the closing seconds.
Fans have been waiting two decades to see the Knicks reach this stage. With Game 2 set for May 23 at 8 p.m. ET, followed by more clashes on May 25 and May 27—each with the potential to shift the series—the stakes are sky-high. If it goes the distance, Game 7 lands on June 2. Every game is broadcast on TNT and streaming live via Max, with extra streaming options through NBA League Pass or your cable provider’s app for those on the go.
What to Know: Players, Odds, and What’s at Stake
Let’s talk about who’s turning heads. For New York, it’s not just Brunson. Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby round out a lineup that's both physical and unpredictable. Brunson’s game last night proves he’s not shying away from the moment.
On the Pacers’ side, Haliburton’s breakout run is fueling their offense, while Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner add muscle and defense. The biggest surprise? Nesmith’s sudden three-point explosion. Indiana is peaking at the perfect moment, and the momentum from Game 1 could rattle the Knicks.
No major injuries so far—the teams are as healthy as you can hope for deep in the postseason. That means we’re getting each squad at (or near) full strength for every contest, something rare at this stage of the playoffs.
The oddsmakers are giving a slight edge to New York—FanDuel has the Knicks as -148 favorites, while Indiana stands at +126. But anyone who’s watched this rivalry knows odds can shift dramatically after every buzzer.
For those keeping track at home, here’s when you’ll need to tune in (each game at 8 p.m. ET, all on TNT/Max):
- Game 2: May 23
- Game 3: May 25
- Game 4: May 27
- Game 5 (if needed): May 29
- Game 6 (if needed): May 31
- Game 7 (if needed): June 2
Die-hard fans can catch every second, whether it’s on a big screen or streaming on a phone. There’s nothing like playoff basketball between these old foes—and with a shot at the Finals on the line, every game promises drama.
