The rivalry between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers ignites basketball fans on May 27, 2025. Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, takes place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With the Pacers leading the series 2-1 after three intense matchups, anticipation builds for a physical and strategic battle. Local fans are ready to turn the arena into a cauldron of support for the home team.
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star point guard, faces off against Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ playmaking maestro, in a duel that could define the game’s tempo. The storied history between these teams, marked by iconic clashes in the 1990s, adds a new chapter with young stars and seasoned coaches. Indianapolis pulses with basketball fever, and the sold-out arena reflects the city’s passion.
- Live broadcast: ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and NBA League Pass provide full coverage.
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, with a capacity of 17,923 fans.
- Tickets: Sold out, with secondary market prices starting at $120.
- Time: 8:00 PM ET, perfect for U.S. and international viewers.
This pivotal game shapes both teams’ aspirations for a spot in the NBA Finals. The electric atmosphere in Indianapolis underscores the city’s deep connection to basketball.
Historical rivalry
The Knicks-Pacers rivalry is steeped in intensity, dating back to the 1990s. Legendary battles between Reggie Miller of the Pacers and John Starks of the Knicks defined an era. A standout moment came in 1994 when Miller taunted the Madison Square Garden crowd with his iconic “choke” gesture after a victory. In 2025, the rivalry reignited with a dramatic Game 1, where the Pacers staged a 138-135 overtime comeback after trailing by 14 points late in the fourth quarter.
Head-to-head playoff records show a close contest, with the Pacers holding 25 wins to the Knicks’ 22. In the 2024-25 regular season, the Knicks won two of three matchups, highlighting the competitiveness. The current series, with home-court advantage at stake, underscores the importance of each game. The Pacers aim to capitalize on their home crowd, while the Knicks seek to even the series on the road.
Probable lineups
Under coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are expected to stick with their starting lineup, fine-tuned after defeating the Boston Celtics in the semifinals. Jalen Brunson, averaging 28.8 points in the playoffs, leads the charge, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributes 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart add versatility, while OG Anunoby anchors the defense.
The Pacers, led by Rick Carlisle, rely on Tyrese Haliburton’s dynamism, with 31 points and 11 assists in Game 1. Pascal Siakam, averaging 23 points, dominates in the paint, while Myles Turner blends rim protection with three-point shooting. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith round out the starting five.
- Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner.
- Coaches: Tom Thibodeau (Knicks) and Rick Carlisle (Pacers), both playoff veterans.
The Pacers may miss Isaiah Jackson due to an Achilles injury, impacting their bench depth, while the Knicks report no confirmed absences.
Where to watch live
Fans can catch the game live on multiple platforms. ESPN offers comprehensive coverage with pre- and post-game analysis, while Amazon Prime Video and NBA League Pass provide high-quality streaming. Sports bars in cities like New York and Miami, such as Jack Demsey’s and Batch Gastropub, will screen the game, fostering a lively fan atmosphere.
For radio listeners, SiriusXM channel 86 delivers real-time play-by-play for subscribers. NBA League Pass streaming is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, offering narration in English and Spanish. These options ensure fans worldwide can follow every moment of Game 4.
Top scorers in focus
Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks’ scoring, dropping 43 points in Game 1 despite the overtime loss. Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points and 12 rebounds in the same game, proving his value in the paint. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton shined with 31 points and 11 assists, while Pascal Siakam efficiently scored 23 points.
Aaron Nesmith stole the spotlight in Game 1, hitting six three-pointers in the fourth quarter, a playoff rarity. Myles Turner’s defensive presence and outside shooting remain critical. The series’ scoring average of 235.8 points per game reflects the offensive balance between the teams.
- Key scorers:
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 28.8 points per game.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers): 31 points in Game 1.
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers): 23 points per game.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): 15 points, 8 rebounds.
- Aaron Nesmith (Pacers): 30 points in Game 1.
Neutralizing the opponent’s top scorers will be critical for both teams in Game 4.
Weather forecast
Indianapolis woke to partly cloudy skies on Tuesday, but clear conditions are expected by game time. Temperatures at 8:00 PM ET will range between 54°F and 59°F, with light winds up to 6 mph. Humidity will hover around 60%, with no rain forecast.
Stable weather ensures a comfortable experience for fans heading to Gainbridge Fieldhouse or watching at outdoor venues like local bars. Indianapolis, decked out in Pacers flags, embraces the playoff excitement.
Tickets and fan atmosphere
Tickets for Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse sold out quickly, reflecting the high stakes of this matchup. Secondary market platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub list tickets starting at $120 for upper-level seats, with courtside options reaching $1,500.
The Pacers’ fanbase, renowned for its energy, will make the arena a fortress. Nearby bars and restaurants, such as The District Tap, are packed with fans pre- and post-game. The NBA’s fan zones in Indianapolis, featuring outdoor screens and interactive activities, enhance the game-day experience.
- Ticket details:
- Sold out on the official Gainbridge Fieldhouse site.
- Secondary market prices: $120 to $1,500.
- Fan zones: Free events with outdoor screens in the city.
- Arena capacity: 17,923 fans.
The vibrant scene in Indianapolis highlights basketball’s cultural significance in the region.
Officiating under scrutiny
Refereeing will be closely watched after controversies in earlier games. In 2024, the Pacers filed a formal complaint with the NBA, citing 78 questionable calls across two games in their series against the Knicks. For Game 4, the NBA assigned a seasoned crew led by James Capers, known for strict but fair officiating with minimal technical fouls.
Sean Corbin and Kevin Cutler complete the officiating team, tasked with keeping the physical game under control. With Siakam and Towns battling in the paint, precise calls on interior plays are essential. The NBA’s emphasis on video reviews aims to minimize errors in critical moments.
Game curiosities
The Knicks-Pacers series is packed with compelling storylines and trivia. In Game 1, Tyrese Haliburton echoed Reggie Miller’s “choke” gesture, taunting Knicks fans after the overtime win. African representation shines with Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) and OG Anunoby (Nigeria) making significant contributions.
- Notable facts:
- Historic comeback: Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 of Game 1, a feat unseen since 1997.
- Nesmith’s record: Six three-pointers in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
- Classic rivalry: Knicks and Pacers met in conference finals in 1994, 1999, and 2000.
- Home dominance: All games in the series have been won by the home team.
These elements add depth to a matchup that transcends the court.
Recent results
The last five games for each team reveal consistent performances with unique challenges. The Knicks, after a 4-2 upset over the Boston Celtics, lost Game 1 to the Pacers but bounced back in Game 2 with a 106-100 win, driven by Towns.
The Pacers, who dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, lead the playoffs with a 40.6% three-point shooting rate. Their 111-106 victory in Game 3 bolstered their home-court confidence.
- Knicks’ last five games:
- Game 3 vs. Pacers: Loss, 111-106.
- Game 2 vs. Pacers: Win, 106-100.
- Game 1 vs. Pacers: Loss, 138-135 (overtime).
- Game 6 vs. Celtics: Win, 119-81.
- Game 5 vs. Celtics: Loss, 127-102.
- Pacers’ last five games:
- Game 3 vs. Knicks: Win, 111-106.
- Game 2 vs. Knicks: Loss, 106-100.
- Game 1 vs. Knicks: Win, 138-135 (overtime).
- Game 5 vs. Cavaliers: Win, 114-105.
- Game 4 vs. Cavaliers: Win, 121-89.
These results underscore the tight competition in the series.
Tactical strategies
Tom Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy for the Knicks focuses on slowing the Pacers’ fast-paced offense. Game 3 exposed defensive lapses in crunch time, allowing the Pacers’ comeback. Adjustments, like tighter marking on Haliburton, are likely for Game 4.
Rick Carlisle’s Pacers thrive on speed and three-point shooting. The bench contributions from Nembhard and Nesmith provide offensive depth. The coaching rivalry, with both tacticians facing off in past playoffs, adds intrigue.
The Knicks must counter the Pacers’ 40.6% three-point accuracy, while their offense hinges on Brunson and Towns breaking through Indiana’s defense. The tactical chess match promises a close contest.
Home-court advantage
The home team has won every game in this series, making Gainbridge Fieldhouse a fortress for the Pacers in Game 4. The passionate Indianapolis crowd creates an intimidating environment for the Knicks.
New York, undefeated at Madison Square Garden until Game 1, faces the challenge of stealing a road win. Thibodeau’s playoff experience could be key, but the Pacers’ home energy is a formidable obstacle. The 2-1 series lead hangs in the balance.
Rising stars
Beyond Brunson and Haliburton, other players are making their mark. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart provide the Knicks with versatility and hustle, while Aaron Nesmith’s three-point barrage has been a game-changer for the Pacers.
Pascal Siakam’s playoff experience and Myles Turner’s defensive prowess anchor Indiana. The international flair of Siakam and Anunoby adds a global dimension to the series. The blend of youth and talent ensures a high-octane showdown.
Cultural impact in Indianapolis
Indianapolis lives and breathes basketball, and Game 4 amplifies this passion. Local spots like Slippery Noodle Inn are packed with fans, while the NBA’s fan zones with outdoor screens engage the community.
Pacers flags adorn the city, reflecting Indiana’s basketball heritage. The rivalry with the Knicks, reignited in this series, unites fans in their support for the home team. The cultural significance of the game resonates throughout the city.
Conference standings
The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals mark a milestone for both teams. The Knicks, with a 51-31 regular-season record, finished third in the East. The Pacers, at 50-32, secured fourth place.
This is the first conference finals matchup between the teams since 2000, when the Pacers prevailed. The winner will face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Finals. The East’s tight competition elevates the stakes of each game.
- Regular-season standings:
- Knicks: 51 wins, 31 losses (3rd in East).
- Pacers: 50 wins, 32 losses (4th in East).
- Playoffs: Knicks defeated Celtics (4-2); Pacers defeated Cavaliers (4-1).
- Upcoming games: Game 5 (May 29, New York), Game 6 (May 31, Indianapolis, if necessary).
The series is shaping up as one of the most thrilling in the 2025 playoffs.
