When do the Indiana Pacers play again in the NBA Playoffs?

On Tuesday night at Rocket Arena, the Indiana Pacers once again proved they’re ready to compete at the highest level, earning a valuable win over the Cleveland Cavaliers that secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Indiana showcased its superiority in Game 5, pulling off an impressive 114-105 victory after trailing in the first half. Tyrese Haliburton was once again a key factor, leading the team with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Now, the Pacers are just one step away from their ultimate goal this season. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they will face the winner of the New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics series, which currently favors Tom Thibodeau’s team 3-1 as the action shifts back to TD Garden.

According to the official NBA website, the Eastern Conference Finals are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 21—one day after the Western Conference Finals tip off. However, that date is tentative and could be moved up to Monday, May 19, depending on how long each second-round series lasts.

Indiana will face either the Boston Celtics or the New York Knicks next.

For Indiana, clinching their spot early offers a clear advantage: extra rest and more time to scout their next opponent. The Pacers can closely study the remaining games between the Knicks and Celtics, analyzing strengths and weaknesses—insight that could be crucial heading into the next round.

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The Pacers have now reached the Conference Finals nine times since joining the NBA in 1976. Their most successful era came during the 1990s and early 2000s, when Reggie Miller led the franchise to appearances in 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2004. More recently, they returned in 2013 and 2014, and again in 2024.

Of those nine trips, Indiana won the Eastern Conference just once—in 2000. That year, they defeated Patrick Ewing’s New York Knicks in six games before meeting the Los Angeles Lakers in what remains their only NBA Finals appearance. However, the dominant duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant proved too much, and Indiana lost the series 4–2.