New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers Rivalry Ignites Again In Must-See Matchup

Kimberly McClary
Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) reacts

The New York Knicks will meet up with the Indiana Pacers again, but this time they will face off in Madison Square Garden tonight at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Coming off a comeback win versus the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, the Knicks will look to give their fans a better showing. The Pacers are on a 13-game losing streak, and will look to snap that streak in tonight’s game, which should make this a very interesting must-see matchup.

Game Details

Date: March 17, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM EDT

Location: Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY

TV/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network South, MSG, MSG+, NBA League Pass/Fubo, NBA League Pass

Odds: Spread: Knicks -16.5 (-110)/ Pacers +16.5 (-110); Moneyline: Knicks -900 to -1350/ Pacers +600 to +730; Total Points (Over/Under): 224.5 (-110)

Team Form & Recent Results

Knicks Form (44-25)

  • Won three of their last five games, currently on a three-game winning streak. Won their last matchup against the Golden State Warriors, 110-107.
  • Currently defined by having one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA.
  • Strengths: elite offense, ball security, rebounding dominance, third-quarter performance
  • Weaknesses: lack of depth, defensive vulnerabilities, slow pace, free-throw generation
  • Injuries: Miles McBride-Out for the Season (sports hernia); Jalen Brunson-Questionable (right ankle injury management and cervical neck strain)

Pacers Form (15-53)

  • Lost five of their last five games and are currently on a 13-game losing streak. Lost their last matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 15, 2026.
  • Currently defined by a period of severe struggle and a roster riddled with injuries.
  • Strengths: offensive identity and pace, perimeter defense, rim protection, fast-break scoring
  • Weaknesses: league-worst defense, rebounding deficiencies, paint scoring, turnover troubles, extreme inefficiency
  • Injuries: Tyrese Haliburton-Out for the Season (recovering from right Achilles surgery); Johnny Furphy-Out for the Season (torn right ACL); Pascal Siakam-Doubtful (right knee sprain); Quenton Jackson-Questionable (right calf strain); Andrew Nembhard-Questionable (right calf contusion); Ivica Zubac-Questionable (left ankle sprain); T.J. McConnell-Questionable (right hamstring soreness); Obi Toppin- Questionable (right foot injury management); Aaron Nesmith-Questionable (right ankle injury management); Ben Sheppard-Questionable (left ankle sprain); Micah Potter-Questionable (right elbow injury)

Key Players To Watch

Knicks

Although he is listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup, in his last outing against the Pacers, Knicks Point Guard Brunson dominated with 29 points and 9 assists. If he plays tonight, expect him to carry the scoring load against a depleted Pacers backcourt.

After missing the March 13 matchup with knee soreness sustained in the game against the Utah Jazz, Knicks Center Karl-Anthony Towns returned on March 15 against the Warriors and is available tonight.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Jalen Brunson (PG)
  2. Mikal Bridges (SG)
  3. Josh Hart (SF)
  4. OG Anunoby (PF)
  5. Karl-Anthony Towns (C)

Pacers

With Siakam listed as doubtful in the injury report, the Pacers will look to Jarace Walker, McConnell, and Nembhard to lead the charge against the Knicks tonight. Walker is a third-year forward who is coming off a strong performance in the previous matchup against the Knicks, where he led the team with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.

If McConnell plays, he will provide a primary veteran spark for the Pacers, as he is their most reliable playmaker, recently contributing 10 points and six assists against the Knicks.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Andrew Nembhard (PG)
  2. Aaron Nesmith (SG)
  3. Jalen Slawson (SF)
  4. Jarace Walker (PF)
  5. Ivica Zubac (C)

An Unhealthy Pacers Team

With so many key ball-handlers and starters sidelined with injuries, Rick Carlisle’s Pacers have been forced into using highly unusual lineups, contributing to their current 13-game losing streak. Haliburton has been out for the entire 2025-2026 season and is currently recovering from right Achilles surgery.

Siakam has stepped in as the team’s go-to player, but he is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game with a right knee sprain.

Knicks Offense vs Pacers Defense

Under Head Coach Mike Brown, the Knicks offense focuses on “paint touches” to draw defenders and create open 3-point looks. This has led to an elite 37.4% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Rebounding has been their major offensive engine, led by Centers Mitchell Robinson and Towns; the Knicks average 46.2 rebounds per game. The Pacers have allowed an average of 128.4 points over their last 10 losses.

Pacers Offense vs Knicks Defense

The Pacers struggle to score in the paint, averaging just 44.8 points per game near the rim, the 4th fewest in the NBA. They are coughing up the ball 14.5 times per game, often leading to transition opportunities for opponents.

Since Feb. 1, the Knicks have boasted the 5th-ranked defense in the NBA. The return of Robinson and Towns has fortified the paint. In their last meeting against the Pacers, the Knicks held Indiana to just 92 points and bullied them on the glass, leading to Robinson’s 22 rebounds. 

What To Expect In Tonight’s Matchup  

If you’ve been paying attention to the Knicks, it seems as though the “easy games” are the ones they struggle with. The Warriors are going through changes with a multitude of injured players, just like the Pacers, and the Knicks struggled to put them away, having to come back from a 21-point deficit.

In their last matchup against the Pacers, they also struggled to come out with the win, only beating them by 9 points. Don’t expect a blowout in tonight’s matchup, but a highly intense inter-conference matchup between two Eastern Conference rivals where the Knicks have bested the Pacers 2-1 in their season series.