Overview
- The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers meet in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, with Game 1 set to tip off Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
- Both teams defied expectations to reach this stage, with the No. 3 Knicks defeating defending champion Boston Celtics and the No. 4 Pacers ousting top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in earlier rounds.
- This series marks the ninth postseason meeting between the two franchises, renewing a storied rivalry that has defined Eastern Conference basketball for decades.
- Star guards Jalen Brunson of the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers are expected to play pivotal roles, showcasing their contrasting styles of leadership and playmaking.
- The Knicks hold home-court advantage and enter the series fully healthy, while the Pacers bring a fast-paced, deep-rotation approach that has been a hallmark of their playoff success.