All about Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5: time, key players, how to watch, expert prediction, and what to expect from a season-defining showdown

Under the blinding lights of Madison Square Garden on May 29, the New York Knicks will battle to keep their season alive. Down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, they face an Indiana Pacers team that has outpaced them both in execution and energy.

Tip-off for Game 5 is at 8 p.m. ET, with national coverage on TNT, truTV, and streaming on Max, Sling TV, and Fubo.

For Knicks fans, it’s a moment that could either extend a dream season or bring it to a painful halt. For the Pacers, it’s a chance to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, and to do it on the Knicks’ hallowed hardwood.

Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Jalen Brunson; The stakes couldn’t be higher

Game 4 in Indianapolis was a showcase for Indiana’s young star, Tyrese Haliburton, who delivered a jaw-dropping triple-double: 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds. "He’s the engine that drives us," said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. "He made every right decision on the floor."

Pascal Siakam continued his dominance, pouring in 30 points for the second time in the series. The Knicks' defense has struggled to contain him, especially when paired with Haliburton’s floor vision.

Despite New York’s struggles, Jalen Brunson has been relentless. He’s scored 31+ points in three of the four games, but the team has failed to convert his heroics into wins. “We have our backs against the wall,” Brunson said after Game 4. “But we’re not folding.”

Karl-Anthony Towns’ health concerns

A major question mark for New York is the status of Karl-Anthony Towns. Sidelined with a left knee contusion, Towns is officially listed as questionable. Head coach Tom Thibodeau said the team will evaluate him after the shootaround. His potential absence could leave a significant void — he’s averaged 25.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in the series.

Without Towns, the Knicks will need increased contributions from their bench and a big night from veteran forward Julius Randle, who’s been relatively quiet this series.

Expert predictions split

The predictions are split across major media outlets:

ESPN Analytics gives the Pacers a slight edge: 54% chance of winning.

USA TODAY staff is divided: James H. Williams and Jeff Zillgitt favor the Knicks, while Scooby Axson and Lorenzo Reyes are backing Indiana.

BetMGM lists New York as 4.5-point favorites, though the moneyline suggests a tight contest (Knicks -185, Pacers +150).

What will the results mean?

If the Knicks win tonight, the series shifts back to Indiana for Game 6 on May 31. A potential Game 7 would take place in New York on June 2.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder await. Having dispatched the Timberwolves in five games, OKC is locked into the NBA Finals, seeking its first title since 1979, when the franchise was known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

How to watch

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

TV: TNT, truTV

Stream: Sling TV, Fubo, Max