New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers Preview: The Eastern Conference Rivalry That Won’t Die
The New York Knicks continue their road trip with a final stop in Indiana tonight at 7:30 p.m. EDT to face off against the Indiana Pacers for a rematch of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
After going 2-0 on the road, New York will look to put an injury-riddled Pacers team to bed early to get a notch closer to the second seed in the Eastern Conference. These teams have split their two previous meetings, with both games decided by three points or fewer, including their last meeting, where the Pacers won 137-134.
Game Details
Date: March 13, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM EDT
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV/Streaming: National/Regional coverage on MSG and FanDuel Sports Network, Indiana/ NBA League Pass
Odds: Spread: Knicks -4.5 (-110)/ Pacers +4.5 (-110); Moneyline: Knicks -230/ Pacers +180; O/U: 227.5
Team Form & Recent Results
Knicks Form (42-25)
- Won only two of their last five games, ending a two-game losing streak with a win against the Utah Jazz.
- Currently defined by their top-tier offensive efficiency and elite rebounding.
- Strengths: Offensive efficiency, rebounding dominance, duo star-power in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Weaknesses: Perimeter gaps in the defense, lack of depth in bench scoring, problems with turnovers, and taking care of the ball.
- Won their last matchup against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2026, 134-117.
- Injuries: Miles McBride-Out (sports hernia); Josh Hart-Questionable (left knee soreness); Karl-Anthony Towns-Questionable (bilateral knee soreness)
Pacers Form (15-51)
- 0-5 in their last five games, and are currently on an 11-game losing streak.
- Currently defined by defensive breakdowns and significant roster instability.
- Strengths: Ball security, three-point volume, pace play, efficiency from Pascal Siakim.
- Weaknesses: Swiss-Cheese defense, struggle to finish defensive possessions, lack of bench depth, and roster instability.
- Lost their last matchup against the Phoenix Suns on March 12, 2026, 123-108.
- Injuries: Tyrese Haliburton-Out (right Achilles tendon tear); Johnny Furphy-Out (right ACL tear); Siakim-Doubtful (right knee sprain); Kam Jones-Doubtful (calf soreness); Aaron Nesmith-Questionable (right ankle management); T.J. McConnell-Questionable (right hamstring soreness); Obi Toppin-Questionable (foot injury)
Key Players to Watch
Knicks
Brunson has been as consistent as consistency gets, averaging 26.2 points and 6.5 assists, contributing 28 points and 8 assists in the win against the Jazz. Returning to Utah for the first time since asking for a trade, Jordan Clarkson had an explosive night against his former team, fueling the Knicks’ comeback with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Towns is listed as questionable for tonight’s game, but if he suits up, expect the center to be a game-changer. OG Anunoby has played well for the Knicks on both ends of the court in March, averaging 19.8 points and 1.9 steals.
Projected Starting Lineup:
- Jalen Brunson (PG)
- Landry Shamet (SG)
- Mikal Bridges (SF)
- OG Anunoby (PF)
- Mitchell Robinson (C)
Pacers
With many of their key players out with injuries, such as Haliburton, Siakim, and Nesmith, the Pacers will look to Andrew Nembhard and Ivica Zubac to lead the charge against the Knicks. In the absence of Haliburton, Nembhard has become the primary floor general for the Pacers, averaging 17.2 points and a team-high 7.3 assists.
He is coming off a 23-point performance against the Suns last night, in which he sat out in the second half due to ongoing back issues. Since being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, Zubac has become the Pacers’ new defensive anchor. He is currently fifth in the NBA in rebounding with 11.0 RPG, and will be crucial in limiting the Knicks’ second-chance opportunities.
Projected Starting Lineup:
- Andrew Nembhard (PG)
- Ethan Thompson (SG)
- Kobe Brown (SF)
- Jarace Walker (PF)
- Ivica Zubac (C)
Knicks Out For Revenge
In their last matchup, the Pacers notched a win in overtime, defeating the Knicks 137-134. The game featured 39 lead changes, the most in any NBA game during the 2025-2026 season. After trailing by four late in regulation, Towns hit two free throws with 0.2 seconds left to force overtime.
The Pacers dominated the start of the extra period, scoring the first 9 points and holding the Knicks scoreless for over four minutes. Tonight, the Knicks will be out for revenge!
Knicks Offense vs Pacers Defense
The Knicks run an offense built on spacing and mismatch hunting led by Brunson, prioritizing getting the ball into the paint to collapse defenses, often utilizing the size of Towns and Robinson to dominate the boards. Anunoby and Bridges provide critical floor spacing, though Bridges’ shooting has been inconsistent in recent games.
The Pacers’ defense is currently the worst in the NBA, as they have struggled to guard the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot a high percentage from three-point range. With the recent addition of Zubac, the Pacers are attempting to stabilize their interior defense, though they remain heavily depleted by injuries.
Pacers Offense vs Knicks Defense
The Pacers’ offense was ranked 9th in the NBA last season and has fallen significantly without Haliburton. Their bench scoring has plummeted to 28th in the NBA, leaving them with few options to counter the Knicks’ physical perimeter defenders. They have relied heavily on Nembhard to carry the load. The Knicks have become more aggressive in trapping schemes and scramble rotations, which were areas the Pacers were able to exploit in previous matchups.
What to Expect In Tonight’s Matchup
The Pacers have absolutely no chance at the playoffs, sitting dead last in the Eastern Conference, but tonight’s game won’t look that way. Even without their stars, the rivalry that exists between these two teams will bring out the best in the Pacers.
Expect to be entertained and on the edge of your seat, but when the final whistle blows, expect the Knicks to be the team that comes out on top, one step closer to the No. 2seed in the Eastern Conference.
