The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are set to renew their playoff rivalry, with a coveted spot in the NBA Finals hanging in the balance. This latest confrontation in the Eastern Conference finals guarantees that one of these historic franchises will reach the NBA Finals for the first time in at least twenty-five years. Game 1 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are making their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. Their playoff journey included eliminating the reigning champion Boston Celtics in a six-game second-round series, following a six-game victory over the Detroit Pistons in the first round. A key factor in their success has been Jalen Brunson, who has delivered phenomenal performances throughout the postseason, averaging 28.8 points per game and consistently stepping up in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers earned their spot by overcoming both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, defeating each team in five games. Indiana faced the Knicks in the second round last season, winning that series before being swept by the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Neither team has reached the NBA Finals recently. The Pacers last appeared in 2000, a trip they secured by beating the Knicks in the East finals. The Knicks` last NBA Finals appearance was in 1999, which they reached after defeating the Pacers in their Eastern Conference Finals matchup that year.
Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
All times Eastern
- Game 1: Wednesday, May 21 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
- Game 2: Friday, May 23 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
- Game 3: Sunday, May 25 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
- Game 4: Tuesday, May 27 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
- *Game 5: Thursday, May 29 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
- *Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
- *Game 7: Monday, June 2 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m. | TV: TNT/Max
Knicks vs. Pacers Series Odds
- Series odds: Knicks -148, Pacers +126
- Game 1 odds: Knicks -4.5, O/U 223
Game 1 Best Bet
Details to be provided before Wednesday`s Game 1.
Jasper Hawthorne