Indiana Pacers VS New York Knicks - Game 1 Live Stream
The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals begin with a classic, hard-nosed rivalry renewed as the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks face off at Madison Square Garden. This matchup is steeped in history, harkening back to the fierce battles of the 1990s, but with a modern twist: two teams built for today’s NBA, each led by dynamic guards and deep, versatile rosters. The Knicks enter as slight favorites, but the Pacers arrive with momentum and a chip on their shoulder, ready to prove their run is no fluke.
How They Got Here
The Indiana Pacers, seeded fourth in the East, have defied expectations throughout the playoffs. After a slow start to the regular season (16-18 on January 1), Indiana turned things around in dramatic fashion, going 42-16 since then, including the postseason. Their playoff journey began with a convincing five-game win over the Milwaukee Bucks, despite facing a Bucks squad missing key players. They followed up by upsetting the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers—another team hampered by injuries—in five games, showcasing their offensive firepower and resilience. The Pacers are back in the conference finals for the second consecutive year, looking to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999-2000.
The New York Knicks, the third seed, have also overcome adversity and doubt. After a shaky regular season and a tough first-round series against the Detroit Pistons, the Knicks found their stride in the second round. They shocked the basketball world by eliminating the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games, punctuated by a dominant Game 6 victory. Jalen Brunson has been the engine of New York’s success, elevating his game and leading his team to their first conference finals appearance since 2000. The Knicks are hungry for their first NBA title since 1973.
Key Matchups and Storylines
Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton
This series is anchored by the duel between two All-Star point guards. Brunson has been a playoff revelation, carrying the Knicks with clutch scoring and leadership. Haliburton, meanwhile, is the maestro of Indiana’s high-octane offense, averaging 17.5 points and a playoff-high 9.3 assists per game. Their ability to control the tempo and make plays for others will be crucial.
Pascal Siakam’s Impact
Siakam has been a difference-maker for the Pacers, providing scoring, rebounding, and veteran poise. He’ll be tasked with attacking the Knicks’ frontcourt and cleaning the glass, especially against New York’s physical bigs like Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. Siakam’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him a key player in this series.
Pace and Style
This series will be a battle of styles. The Pacers want to play fast, pushing the ball and creating chaos with their relentless pace. They led the conference semifinals in tempo and will look to wear down the Knicks’ short rotation. New York, on the other hand, prefers a slower, more methodical approach, relying on Brunson’s isolation brilliance and their stout defense to grind out wins. Whoever controls the pace will have a significant advantage.
Coaching and Adjustments
Tom Thibodeau and Rick Carlisle are two of the NBA’s most respected coaches, both known for their tactical acumen and ability to make in-game adjustments. Thibodeau will lean heavily on his starters, who have logged the most minutes of any five-man unit in the league. Carlisle, meanwhile, has a deeper bench at his disposal and will look to exploit mismatches and keep his players fresh.
Intangibles and Pressure
Both teams are desperate to end long droughts and reach the NBA Finals. The Knicks are energized by their home crowd and the return of Madison Square Garden as a playoff fortress. The Pacers, meanwhile, are riding a wave of confidence and have proven they can win on the road, going 4-1 away from home in the playoffs. The pressure is immense, but both teams have shown they thrive in big moments.
What to Watch in Game 1
Pace of Play: Will the Pacers be able to push the tempo and force the Knicks into a track meet, or will New York slow things down and impose their physical style?
Rebounding Battle: The Knicks dominated the glass against Boston, while the Pacers struggled at times against Cleveland. Siakam and Randle will be key in this department.
Bench Production: Indiana’s depth could be a factor late in games, especially if the Knicks’ starters wear down. Look for contributions from T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin for the Pacers, and Alec Burks and Miles McBride for the Knicks.
Clutch Play: Both teams have players who thrive in crunch time. Brunson and Haliburton are capable of taking over games in the fourth quarter.
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