The last two times the New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals, they faced the Indiana Pacers. In 1999, the Knicks won. In 2000, the Pacers returned the favor. Now, 25 years later, the two franchises meet again with that same trip to the NBA Finals on the line. Game 1 tips off tonight at Madison Square Garden. This marks their ninth postseason meeting, with the Pacers holding a 5–3 edge in the previous eight. The Pacers hold a 26-22 advantage in those contests.
📍 Madison Square Garden
🗓️ Wednesday, May 21, 2025
🕗 8:00 PM ET
Reggie Miller. The Knicks’ run to the 1999 NBA Finals. The Pacers turning the tables on them in 2000. The Knicks and Pacers history has many memorable moments. Their last postseason meeting was last year. The series went seven and the Pacers took out the Knicks to go to the Eastern Conference Finals. This year adds another chapter to their rivalry.
📊 By the Numbers
- Knicks Home Record (2024–25): 30–17 (including playoffs)
- Pacers Away Record (2024–25): 24–21 (including playoffs)
- Head-to-Head (Last 10 Games): Tied 5–5
- Against the Spread (Last 10 Games): Tied 5–5
- Over/Under (Last 10 Games): Over 6, Under 4
🏀 How They Got Here
Pacers: Blew past the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
Knicks: Took out the defending champs Boston Celtics in six.
⚔️ Regular Season Series
In their three regular-season meetings this year, the Knicks won two.
- October in New York: Knicks won 123-98.
- November in Indiana: Pacers won 132-121.
- February in Indiana: Knicks won 128-115.
🔑 Key Players
Knicks (12 GAMES)
- Jalen Brunson: 28.8 PPG, 7.7 APG
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 19.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG
- OG Anunoby: 15.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG
- Mikal Bridges: 15.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG
- Josh Hart: 13.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG
Pacers (10 GAMES)
- Pascal Siakam: 18.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG
- Tyrese Haliburton: 17.5 PPG, 9.3 APG
- Myles Turner: 16.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.5 BPG
- Aaron Nesmith: 14.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG
- Andrew Nembhard: 14.6 PPG, 6.0 APG, 1.4 SPG
🗓️ Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Location | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Wednesday, May 21 | Madison Square Garden | 8:00 PM |
| Game 2 | Friday, May 23 | Madison Square Garden | 8:00 PM |
| Game 3 | Sunday, May 25 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | 8:00 PM |
| Game 4 | Tuesday, May 27 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | 8:00 PM |
| Game 5* | Thursday, May 29 | Madison Square Garden | 8:00 PM |
| Game 6* | Saturday, May 31 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | 8:00 PM |
| Game 7* | Monday, June 2 | Madison Square Garden | 8:00 PM |
*If necessary
💰 Betting Lines & Props
- Spread: Knicks -4.5
- Total: 222.0 points
- Moneyline: Knicks -198, Pacers +166
One interesting player prop is for former Knick Obi Toppin, whose points total is set at 7.5. He is averaging 8.8 PPG in 10 playoff games this year on only 16 minutes per game. Given his history with New York and motivation to perform against his former team at the Garden, the over could be a tempting play.
Prediction: Pass on both the side and total. Both teams are evenly matched. Expect a hard fought series that could go the distance. Game 1 sets the tone.
Let’s take Obi Toppin over 7.5 points -108 to make the game a little more interesting.
Thank you for reading my Knicks vs. Pacers: The Rubber Match Begins at The Garden article. Follow me on Twitter/X. For NBA and other sports articles, check out Pete’s Sports Blog and subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more videos. Image credits: postingandtoasting.com & ESPN.
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Jalen Brunson Tyrese Haliburton
