The storied rivalry between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers ignites once more on May 25, 2025. Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, set for 8:00 PM ET, unfolds at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With the Pacers leading the series 2-0 after two thrilling games in New York, anticipation builds for a physical and strategic showdown. Local fans are gearing up to create an electric atmosphere to support their team.
This matchup promises to showcase stars like Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers. The history between these teams, marked by unforgettable clashes in the 1990s, gains a fresh chapter with young talent and seasoned coaches. The game is pivotal for both teams’ aspirations to reach the NBA Finals.
- Live broadcast: ESPN, Prime Video, NBA League Pass.
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis.
- Time: 8:00 PM ET.
- Tickets: Sold out, with secondary market prices starting at $120.
Historic rivalry renewed
The Knicks-Pacers rivalry dates back to the 1990s, when icons like Reggie Miller and Patrick Ewing defined epic playoff battles. From 1993 to 2000, the teams met six times in the postseason, splitting the victories. Today, the rivalry is fueled by emerging stars and modern strategies. The Pacers, with 50 wins in the regular season, finished fourth in the East, while the Knicks, with 51 wins, secured third place. Home-court advantage has proven critical, with the Pacers taking both opening games in New York. Recent history shows balance: the Knicks won the regular-season series 2-1, but the Pacers claimed a dramatic 138-135 comeback in Game 1, sealed in overtime.
Where to watch live
Basketball fans have multiple options to catch Knicks vs. Pacers live. ESPN airs the game on cable, complete with pre- and post-game analysis. Prime Video offers English narration through its sports streaming service, while NBA League Pass provides comprehensive coverage, including replays and real-time stats. For radio listeners, SiriusXM’s channel 86 delivers live play-by-play for subscribers. In cities like New York and Chicago, sports bars such as Legends NYC and The Globe Pub screen the game on large TVs, drawing crowds. NBA League Pass streams are accessible on Smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones, offering flexibility for viewers.
Probable lineups for Game 3
The lineups reflect each team’s current form, with tactical tweaks for the Indianapolis clash. The Knicks, led by Tom Thibodeau, are expected to stick with their starting five despite the 0-2 deficit. The Pacers, under Rick Carlisle, rely on their consistent starting unit, which shone in the opening games.
- New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner.
The Knicks are without key reserves like Isaiah Hartenstein, while the Pacers miss Isaiah Jackson, sidelined since November. Brunson, averaging 28.8 points in the playoffs, remains New York’s offensive cornerstone, while Haliburton, with 17.5 points and 9.3 assists, drives Indiana’s fast-paced attack.
Key individual matchups
Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton headline a battle of dynamic point guards shaping the game’s tempo. Brunson, who dropped 43 points in Game 1, aims to steer the Knicks back into the series with his drives and mid-range shooting. Haliburton countered with 31 points and 11 assists in the same game, showcasing his court vision and three-point accuracy. Pascal Siakam, averaging 23 points, anchors the Pacers’ frontcourt, while Karl-Anthony Towns, a recent Knicks addition, contributes 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. Aaron Nesmith stunned with 30 points in Game 1, hitting six three-pointers in the fourth quarter, a playoff rarity.
Officiating in the spotlight
Officiating has sparked debate in this series. In 2024, the Pacers filed a formal complaint with the NBA, citing 78 disputed calls across two semifinal games against the Knicks. For Game 3, the league assigned a veteran crew led by Scott Foster, known for his strict approach. A physical game is expected, with both teams employing aggressive defenses. The NBA has emphasized referee preparation to avoid controversies, particularly after criticism over inconsistent foul calls in prior games. Foster, a Finals veteran, will face scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
Weather forecast for Indianapolis
The weather in Indianapolis sets the stage for a pleasant game night. According to the National Weather Service, May 25 will see evening temperatures between 64°F and 72°F, with partly cloudy skies and light winds up to 6 mph. Humidity will hover around 50%, with no chance of rain. These conditions are ideal for outdoor fan events, like NBA-organized watch parties, and for fans traveling to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Nearby bars, such as St. Elmo Steak House, anticipate heavy crowds, with outdoor screens broadcasting the game.
Sold-out tickets and vibrant atmosphere
Tickets for Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse sold out within hours, underscoring the fervor of Pacers fans. On secondary platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub, tickets start at $120 for upper-level seats, with courtside prices reaching $1,800. The high demand reflects the game’s significance, marking Indiana’s return to the Eastern Finals after years of rebuilding. The NBA has arranged outdoor watch parties and interactive fan zones in Indianapolis, catering to those without tickets. The local crowd, renowned for its energy, is poised to turn the arena into a cauldron of noise.
Head-to-head history
The Knicks and Pacers have a balanced rivalry, with Indiana holding a 25-22 edge in all-time matchups. In the 1990s, clashes between Reggie Miller and John Starks became legendary, highlighted by Miller’s taunts at Madison Square Garden. In the 2024-25 regular season, the Knicks took two of three games, but the Pacers have dominated the playoffs so far. Game 1’s 138-135 overtime thriller marked the first time in 970 playoff games that a team overcame such a deficit. Home teams have won every game in the series, a trend that favors Indiana in Game 3.
Recent team performances
The last five games for each team reveal strong form but distinct challenges. The Pacers ride a wave of momentum, while the Knicks seek defensive improvements.
- Indiana Pacers:
- Win vs. Knicks (138-135, Game 1, 05/21/2025).
- Win vs. Knicks (114-109, Game 2, 05/23/2025).
- Win vs. Cavaliers (112-105, playoffs, 05/10/2025).
- Win vs. Cavaliers (118-110, playoffs, 05/08/2025).
- Loss vs. Bucks (115-108, playoffs, 05/02/2025).
- New York Knicks:
- Loss vs. Pacers (138-135, Game 1, 05/21/2025).
- Loss vs. Pacers (114-109, Game 2, 05/23/2025).
- Win vs. Celtics (120-115, playoffs, 05/12/2025).
- Win vs. Celtics (108-102, playoffs, 05/10/2025).
- Loss vs. Celtics (125-110, regular season, 10/25/2024).
Coaches in focus
Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks’ head coach, is renowned for his defensive schemes and ability to elevate his roster. With stints at the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, he guided the Knicks to their first Eastern Finals in 25 years, emphasizing tough defense and fast breaks. Rick Carlisle, leading the Pacers, blends veteran savvy with a modern offensive approach, prioritizing three-point shooting and constant movement. A 2011 champion with the Dallas Mavericks, Carlisle has tailored Indiana’s game to leverage Haliburton’s speed and Siakam’s interior presence. The tactical chess match between these coaches is a highlight of the series.
Fascinating facts about the matchup
The Knicks-Pacers rivalry extends beyond the court, with moments etched in NBA lore. The 2025 series is their first Eastern Finals clash since 2000, when the Knicks prevailed.
- Iconic taunt: Reggie Miller’s “choke” gesture in 1994 at Madison Square Garden was echoed by Haliburton in Game 1 of 2025.
- Global stars: Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) and OG Anunoby (Nigeria) bring African representation to the series.
- Nesmith’s record: Aaron Nesmith’s six three-pointers in the fourth quarter of Game 1 set a playoff milestone.
- Home dominance: Every game in the series has been won by the home team, a rare pattern in modern playoffs.
Predictions for Game 3
Analysts foresee a tight contest, with the Pacers holding a slight edge due to home-court advantage and series momentum. The Knicks’ defense must slow Indiana’s league-leading 40.6% three-point shooting in the playoffs. Brunson is expected to spark a New York comeback, but Haliburton and Siakam could exploit Indiana’s deeper roster. Betting lines suggest a close game, with Indiana favored by 5-8 points. Defensive intensity and rebounding control will likely decide the outcome at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
City and arena spotlight
Indianapolis, a city steeped in sports tradition, buzzes with excitement for this pivotal game. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the Pacers since 1999, holds 17,923 fans and boasts recent upgrades for a modern fan experience. Located downtown, the arena is surrounded by lively bars and restaurants that become hubs on game nights. The city’s streets are adorned with Pacers flags, reflecting civic pride. The Knicks matchup amplifies Indianapolis’ basketball fervor, a cornerstone of local culture.
Rising scorers
Beyond Brunson and Haliburton, other players shine in the scoring column. Pascal Siakam’s efficiency in the paint makes him a constant threat, while Myles Turner blends elite rim protection with long-range shooting. For the Knicks, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart offer versatility, impacting both ends of the floor. The series’ scoring average of 235.8 points per game underscores the offensive balance. Neutralizing the opponent’s top scorers will be critical for Game 3’s result.
Teams’ season trajectory
The Pacers have stunned in the playoffs, dispatching the Milwaukee Bucks (4-1) and top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (4-1). With the second-best playoff offense at 117.7 points per game, Indiana leans on its roster depth. The Knicks, meanwhile, upset the defending champion Boston Celtics in a gripping series, showcasing grit. The offseason addition of Karl-Anthony Towns bolstered New York’s frontcourt, but their defense has struggled against Indiana’s pace. Game 3 offers the Knicks a chance to regroup and narrow the series gap.
