The Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed, the New York Knicks (51-31), will face the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers (50-32) in the Eastern Conference finals, the third round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. This is a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, which the Pacers won in seven games. It’s also the ninth time New York and Indiana have met in the postseason since 1993. The Pacers have won five of the eight previous matchups.
The Knicks struggled against top NBA teams until recently. After a middling performance for months, they managed to defeat the Pistons in a challenging opening-round series. Heading into the conference semis against the Celtics, who had swept them during the regular season, many expected a short series. However, the Knicks surprised everyone by taking a 3-1 lead, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges delivering massive performances. The Knicks now have a golden opportunity to reach the NBA Finals, but they face a Pacers team that has been red-hot and has a strong road record.
The Pacers are one of the NBA’s hardest-charging teams, playing at the third-fastest pace and scoring more points per playoff possession than any other team in the final four. Their balanced attack and defensive steel make them a formidable opponent. Indiana’s depth allows head coach Rick Carlisle to employ a full-court press more frequently than any other team in the NBA.
The Knicks won the regular-season series, 2-1, but the Pacers have shown they can handle New York’s key players. The matchup to watch will be how the Pacers guard Karl-Anthony Towns, as putting a center on him has proven ineffective in the past.
In crunch-time lineups, the Knicks will likely rely on their core group of Brunson, Towns, Hart, Bridges, and Anunoby, while the Pacers will stick with their experienced lineup of Nembhard, Turner, Siakam, Nesmith, and Haliburton.
Prediction: Pacers in 6. The Pacers’ consistent play and depth give them the edge, though the Knicks have shown they can reach a higher ceiling.
Series betting odds: New York Knicks (-155) Indiana Pacers (+130)
Series schedule (all times Eastern):
Game 1: Wednesday @ New York (8 p.m., TNT)
Game 2: Friday @ New York (8 p.m., TNT)
Game 3: Sunday, May 25 @ Indiana (8 p.m., TNT)
Game 4: Tuesday, May 27 @ Indiana (8 p.m., TNT)
*Game 5: Thursday, May 29 @ New York (8 p.m., TNT)
*Game 6: Saturday, May 31 @ Indiana (8 p.m., TNT)
*Game 7: Monday, June 2 @ New York (8 p.m., TNT) *if necessary