The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have renewed their playoff rivalry in the 2024 NBA postseason, and their second-round series is all tied up after a dominant Indiana victory in Sunday’s Game 4. The Pacers crushed the Knicks to even the series, building a 20-point lead after one quarter that only grew from there. Indiana protected home court, and the Pacers are now 5-0 this postseason at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Knicks had played nothing but playoff nail-biters until Sunday’s lopsided loss. Down two more starters — Mitchell Robinson is out for the series and OG Anunoby has missed the last two games — the short-handed Knicks are facing a tough task as they return home for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
The Knicks and Pacers met six times in the playoffs over an eight-year span between 1993 and 2000. The names are different this time around. Instead of Miller and Patrick Ewing, it’s Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton. The stakes, however, are just as high. The winner will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Here’s everything you need to know as the Knicks and Pacers continue their renewed rivalry.
Knicks vs. Pacers schedule, scores
All times Eastern | * If necessary
- Game 1: Knicks 121, Pacers 117 — New York leads 1-0
- Game 2: Knicks 130, Pacers 121 — New York leads 2-0
- Game 3: Pacers 111, Knicks 106 — New York leads 2-1
- Game 4: Pacers 121, Knicks 89 — Series tied 2-2
- Game 5: Tuesday, May 14 — Pacers at Knicks, 8 p.m., TNT
- Game 6: Friday, May 17 — Knicks at Pacers, TBD, ESPN/fubo
- Game 7*: Sunday, May 19 — Pacers at Knicks, TBD
Knicks vs. Pacers, Game 5
Where to watch
Time: 8 p.m. ET | Date: Tuesday, May 14
Location: Madison Square Garden — New York
TV channel: TNT | Streaming: Watch TNT, Max
Storylines
Do the Knicks have enough left in the tank to come up with two wins in three games? They only have two days off between Games 4 and 5, but their starters did get extended time on the bench on Sunday after the blowout loss. Brunson’s shot was consistently short in Game 4. Donte DiVincenzo hit one of his six 3-point attempts after making five or more triples in four straight games. Josh Hart, who had averaged 46.4 minutes per game before Sunday, had two points and three rebounds.
“We’re disappointed. The thing is, we can’t have a hangover. We got to fix it, and we have to come with a will and determination to respond to what happened. I think that’s the biggest thing,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after Game 4. “This team has responded all year so that’s what we’re expecting to do.”
Prediction
Opening series odds: Knicks -265, Pacers +210
Series odds after Game 4: Knicks +120, Pacers -145
Stay tuned for a Game 4 expert pick.
