The New York Knicks' fierce rivalry with the Indiana Pacers is officially back, ranked as the fourth-best in the NBA by ESPN heading into the 2026-27 season. This reignites a classic Eastern Conference feud that defined the Reggie Miller era and has seen recent playoff battles. The defending champion Knicks, fresh off a title win and holding a recent form of 4W-0D-1L, are on a four-game winning run as they prepare for another potential postseason clash with Indiana.
Why is the Pacers-Knicks rivalry so intense?
The animosity stems from consecutive playoff eliminations. In the previous two seasons, the Indiana Pacers knocked the New York Knicks out of the Eastern Conference Finals on their way to deep runs. Those losses fuel the current tension. ESPN's analysis points directly to the injury debate that fires up both fanbases. Knicks supporters argue Indiana's 2024 win came against a depleted roster, while Pacers fans counter that New York's 2026 title run was easier without a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
That back-and-forth chatter only makes games more intense. With Haliburton now healthy after his Achilles tear, both teams are fully loaded and aiming for the Finals. The schedule sets up three must-watch regular season games. They first meet on November 13 in Indiana, then again on November 22 at Madison Square Garden. The regular season concludes with a final matchup on April 11, also in New York.
What is the recent history between these teams?
The history is defined by high-stakes basketball. The Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals and then the NBA Finals in the two years prior to last season, and the Knicks were their gatekeeper both times. Last season, the narrative flipped. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, won their first championship since 1973, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on June 14, 2026.
Indiana, meanwhile, had a brutal year following Haliburton's injury but is now back as a title contender. Their path almost certainly goes through New York. You can track both teams' progress in the [standings](/standings) throughout the year. For the Knicks, maintaining their current momentum, detailed on our [stats](/stats) page, will be key to holding off the Pacers' challenge.
What can fans expect this season?
Expect physical, emotional basketball. Both teams genuinely dislike each other, and their playoff meetings have been must-watch TV. The three scheduled games will be a preview of a potential playoff series. ESPN's ranking at No. 4 highlights how this rivalry has captured the league's attention again.
It's good for the NBA. A healthy, competitive rivalry between two Eastern Conference powers drives interest and intensity. The Knicks have the championship pedigree now, but the Pacers have the recent upper hand in their direct playoff history. Every possession will matter, especially in the paint and on the perimeter where star guards like Brunson and Haliburton operate.
Fans should mark their calendars. The first game in November will set the tone. If it's anything like their past playoff battles, viewers are in for a treat. The Knicks' current form suggests they are ready for the fight, aiming to prove their title was no fluke and that they can finally overcome their Pacers hurdle. Check the full [fixtures](/fixtures) for exact dates and times.
