If you walked into Madison Square Garden lately, the air feels different. It’s heavy. Not just because of the humidity or the overpriced hot dogs, but because the New York Knicks vs Pacers matchup has morphed from a nostalgic 90s throwback into a genuine, high-stakes grudge match. Honestly, it’s about time.
For a long while, this rivalry was basically a "remember when" conversation. You’d talk about Reggie Miller giving the "choke" sign to Spike Lee or Larry Johnson’s four-point play. But then 2024 and 2025 happened. Now? It’s arguably the most bitter pairing in the Eastern Conference.
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Why the 2025 Playoffs Changed Everything
Last year’s Eastern Conference Finals wasn't just a series; it was a six-game war that ended with the Indiana Pacers clinching a spot in the NBA Finals. Think about that. The Pacers, a 4th seed, took down a 3rd-seeded Knicks team that looked like it was destined for a collision course with a championship.
New York felt robbed. Indiana felt disrespected.
Pascal Siakam, who eventually took home the ECF MVP honors, was the primary reason the Knicks couldn't close it out. He averaged roughly 24.8 points and 5 boards while shooting a ridiculous 50% from deep across those six games. If you’re a Knicks fan, seeing Siakam celebrate at the Garden after Game 6 is probably burned into your retinas.
It was brutal.
But here’s the thing people forget: the Knicks were battered. Jalen Brunson was playing through a level of pain that would make a normal person stay in bed for a month. Even then, he was putting up 40-point games like it was a casual Tuesday at the YMCA.
The State of the New York Knicks vs Pacers Rivalry in 2026
Fast forward to today, January 2026. The landscape has shifted significantly, mostly due to the injury bug that refuses to leave these two teams alone.
If you’re looking at the current standings, the Knicks are in a bit of a tailspin. They've lost eight of their last ten. Part of that is the absence of their engine. Jalen Brunson is currently sidelined with a right ankle sprain he picked up on January 14.
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He’s "day-to-day," which is coach-speak for "we’re holding our breath."
Meanwhile, Indiana is dealing with a nightmare scenario. Tyrese Haliburton, the guy who basically invented the Pacers' high-octane pace, is out for the season with a torn Achilles. It’s a gut-punch for the league. Without Haliburton, the Pacers have had to reinvent themselves on the fly, relying heavily on Bennedict Mathurin and Siakam to keep the ship from sinking.
The Head-to-Head Numbers (A Prose Breakdown)
The all-time series between these two is almost perfectly split. We're talking about a rivalry so even it’s almost spooky.
- Total Meetings: 253 games.
- The Regular Season: The Knicks hold a slight edge, about 103-96.
- The Postseason: This is where Indiana has historically flexed, leading the series record 30-24.
The most recent meeting on December 18, 2025, was a classic. The Knicks squeaked out a 114-113 win. It was a messy game—turnovers everywhere—but it proved that even without a full deck of cards, these two teams simply don't know how to play a boring game against each other.
The X-Factors: Josh Hart and the "Toughness" Narrative
You can't talk about New York Knicks vs Pacers without mentioning Josh Hart. The man is essentially a human bowling ball. He leads the Knicks in "vibes per minute" and often in rebounds, which is wild for a guy his size.
Recently, Hart has been dealing with his own ankle soreness. Coach Mike Brown—who has been steering the ship with a heavy emphasis on defense—noted that they’re being cautious with him.
On the other side, the Pacers are trying to find a new identity. Without Haliburton’s 10-plus assists a night, the ball is moving differently. It’s slower. It’s more methodical.
Is it better? Probably not. But it’s what they have to do to survive.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
The common misconception is that this is just a "small market vs. big market" trope. It’s not. It’s a clash of basketball philosophies.
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The Knicks, especially under the current regime, want to grind you into dust. They want the game to be played in a phone booth. They want to win 98-95 and have everyone leave the court with bruises.
The Pacers? They want to run. Or at least they did. Even with the injuries, Indiana still tries to push the tempo where possible. They want to turn the game into a track meet.
When these two styles collide, you get that weird, beautiful friction that makes NBA Twitter explode.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re betting on or just watching the next clash—currently scheduled for February 10, 2026—keep these specific points in mind:
- Watch the Injury Report: This sounds obvious, but for this specific matchup, it’s everything. If Brunson is back but limited, the Knicks' offensive spacing collapses. If Mathurin isn't hitting his outside shots, the Pacers have no way to stretch the Knicks' defense.
- The Rebound Margin: The Knicks historically dominate the glass. In their December win, they feasted on second-chance points. If Indiana can’t keep Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart off the boards, they don't stand a chance.
- The "Spike Lee" Factor: Don't underestimate the Garden crowd. In a rivalry this close, the home-court advantage is worth about 4-5 points. The Pacers have shown they can win in New York (Game 6 last year!), but it takes a perfect shooting night.
The New York Knicks vs Pacers saga is far from over. Even with the stars in suits on the bench, the history between these two jersey sets ensures that every possession feels like a playoff game. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s exactly what the NBA needs.
Next Steps for Following the Rivalry:
Check the official NBA injury report 30 minutes before tip-off on February 10. Focus specifically on Jalen Brunson's lateral movement during warmups; if he's favoring that right ankle, expect the Pacers to hunt him in pick-and-roll situations all night. Additionally, monitor the "Points in the Paint" stat throughout the first half. If New York is leading that category by more than 10, the Pacers' lack of interior size without a healthy rotation will likely decide the game long before the fourth quarter begins.