Knicks vs Pacers Conference Finals Preview: Schedule, TV Channel, betting odds

One of the NBA's fiercest rivalries is set to add another chapter as the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers meet in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

The Pacers return to the Eastern decider for the second-straight year, after two tough series against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

New York's path to their first ECF in over two decades saw them run the gauntlet of their historic rivals, taking down the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, but in a repeat of the 2000 Conference Finals who will claim victory in the East?

Knicks vs Pacers Conference Finals Preview

25 years on, it's New York vs. Indiana once again for a spot in the NBA Finals. 

Both teams were underdogs in their second round series - Knicks taking down the reigning champions in Boston, while the Pacers defeated the East's best regular season team Cleveland, setting up an all-time grudge match. 

Indiana had a rough start to the season, but they've been electric since the new year began, holding a record of 42-16 in the calendar year of 2025 including the playoffs. 

Under the guidance of Rick Carlisle, Indiana have gotten back to their best, running teams out of buildings with offensive threats across the roster. 

But the Knicks have looked equally threatening, with their off-season trade for Karl-Anthony Towns paying dividends for the team, as well as recieving defensive intensity from guys like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson. 

The Pacers have spoiled plenty of parties this season, but the Knicks and Tom Thibodeau should have what it takes to claim revenge for Ewing, Sprewell, and the 2000 New York team. 

Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton

What's better than a superstar point guard matchup? What about a superstar point guard matchup that was once featured on Wrestlemania.

On one side, the reigning Clutch Player of the Year, and elite scorer Jalen Brunson, whose scoring abilities and foul-drawing efforts have both angered and amazed throughout the postseason. 

But Haliburton has plenty of clutch moments to his name as well, including a handful of crucial shots to take down the Cavaliers. 

The Pacers guard won't score as consistently as his Knick opponent, but he will keep the team's offence on a string, orchestrating everything that Indiana run and helping teammates like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner get going. 

Can Brunson truly inherit the title as the King of New York, or will Haliburton join Reggie Miller as an all-time Pacers playoff villain against the Knicks.

X-Factor: Mikal Bridges

It took five first round picks to tear Mikal Bridges away from the Nets and across the East River, joining up with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.

To some, this was a steep price to pay, but Bridges has been proving his value this post-season, including a pair of defensive stops against Jayson Tatum to secure crucial wins in the second round. 

If Bridges can get his shot going, on top of his efforts likely guarding Pascal Siakam or Obi Toppin, he has the ability to swing this series massively in New York's favour. 

Knicks vs Pacers Conference Finals betting odds

Ahead of the series starting, New York are a slim favourite, and also hold the second-best odds of any team to claim the title.

Odds via bookmaker Sportsbet

How to watch Knicks vs Pacers Conference Finals

Each and every game of the 2025 Western Conference Finals will be able to be streamed on ESPN via Foxtel, or streamed using Kayo.

Knicks vs Pacers Conference Finals schedule

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