The New York Knicks head to Indianapolis tonight for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, trailing the Indiana Pacers 3–2 in the series. After a dominant 111–94 win at Madison Square Garden in Game 5, the Knicks are fighting to extend their season and send this series to a decisive Game 7.
Both teams are vying for their first NBA Finals appearance in a quarter-century. For the Knicks, it’s a shot at ending a drought that stretches back to 1999. For the Pacers, it’s a return to the championship round for the first time since 2000. These are two basketball towns starved of championship wins.
The Knicks will look tonight for continued leadership from their top two scorers: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Brunson, led the charge in Game 5, attacking the basket early on to set the tone for the game. He ended with 32 points, notching his tenth 30-point, 5-assist performance of the playoffs.
Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds, bouncing back from a Game 4 knee contusion to provide needed interior scoring. He’ll need to continue to bully his way in the paint — without earning costly offensive fouls.
The biggest swing factor tonight may be Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith. Still battling an ankle injury, Nesmith played just 16 minutes in Game 5 and shot 1-for-8 from the field. His limited mobility took the edge off Indiana’s perimeter defense and gave Brunson more space to operate. It also took away a key three-point threat for the Pacers — Nesmith is shooting 50% from deep this postseason.
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau’s newfound flexibility has led to a big impact from the bench. Delon Wright, Landry Shamet, and Miles McBride delivered gritty defensive minutes and helped keep Indiana’s high-octane offense out of rhythm. As a result, the Pacers were held to under 100 points for the second time in the series.
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton will be looking to bounce back after a quiet Game 5, while Pascal Siakam remains a matchup nightmare in the midrange and around the rim.
The Pacers are still in control of the series, and if they can get a stronger showing from Nesmith and limit turnovers, this game may be theirs.
But New York’s ability to grind out wins on the road has been a theme this postseason — they’re 6–2 away from MSG. Expect the Knicks to come out on top in the close game and force a Game 7.
Game Prediction: Knicks win by 4.
Series Prediction: Pacers in 7.
How to Watch New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Tonight’s Knicks-Pacers game airs on TNT and streams on the TNT app and Max. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM Eastern from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Knicks vs. Pacers
Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2025, 8:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: TNT
Streaming: TNT app and website, Max
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