Pacers Hold Lead, Knicks Face Elimination: The Stage Is Set
The Indiana Pacers have put themselves on the brink of NBA history, heading into Game 5 against the New York Knicks with a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s been over two decades since Indiana made it this far—their last NBA Finals trip was back in 2000. Meanwhile, the Knicks are fighting for their first Finals appearance since 1999, hanging on desperately to keep their season alive. With Game 5 taking place at the legendary Madison Square Garden on May 29, the stakes are sky-high for both squads.
Point guard Jalen Brunson has been the heartbeat of New York’s playoff push. He’s averaging a blazing 28.8 points and carrying a huge offensive load. But the Pacers haven’t been riding luck; they steamrolled through tough opponents, dispatching both the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in just five games each. Their young core is running on confidence and proving they’re not backing down from the bright lights or the pressure.
How to Watch: Streaming the NBA Playoffs Without Cable
With so many folks ditching traditional cable, you might be wondering how to catch these critical games live without missing a second. Here’s the rundown on Knicks vs Pacers playoff viewing:
- TNT and Max: All remaining games in the series are broadcast on TNT. You can also watch through the Max streaming app if you already subscribe or want to sign up for easy access.
- Sling TV: This one’s a go-to, thanks to its affordable packages. Both the Blue and Orange plans feature TNT. The Orange plan throws in ESPN, which helps if you want full NBA coverage, and currently, new users can snag this for just $23 a month.
- DirecTV Stream: Another solid option, offering TNT in its lineups. It’s easy to set up and lets you jump straight into the playoff action, including the NBA Finals, which will feature the Oklahoma City Thunder against whoever survives the Eastern showdown.
So, even without a cable box, it’s never been easier to keep up with every last bucket, block, and buzzer-beater as the Finals picture comes into focus.
Here’s the schedule you need to know as the series nears its dramatic conclusion:
- Game 5: May 29, 8 p.m. ET – Madison Square Garden (Knicks home)
- Game 6: May 31, 8 p.m. ET – if necessary
- Game 7: June 2, 8 p.m. ET – if necessary
The Western side is already sorted. The Oklahoma City Thunder locked up their Finals ticket after finishing off the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The Eastern winner—whether it’s the resurgent Pacers or a Knicks squad defying the odds—will tip off against the Thunder for the NBA’s biggest prize starting June 5.
No more scrambling for illegal streams or hoping a friend texts you their cable login. With TNT on streaming services and feature-packed subscriptions like Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, and Max, you can catch every second live, wherever you are. So get your snacks ready and figure out which jersey you’re wearing—it’s almost time for tip-off.