NEW YORK, 11 February 2026 – The New York Knicks continued their strong push toward the postseason on Tuesday night, hosting the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden in a matchup of two teams trending in opposite directions. While the Knicks (34–19) entered the contest as one of the Eastern Conference’s elite, the Pacers (13–40) arrived struggling to find consistency amidst a difficult rebuilding season.
Game Summary: Knicks Hold Firm at Home
In the latest chapter of this historic rivalry, the New York Knicks secured a victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. Despite missing key defensive anchor OG Anunoby, who sat out his third consecutive game due to toe soreness, the Knicks relied on their offensive depth to outlast a short-handed Indiana squad.
The Pacers saw the return of T.J. McConnell from a hamstring injury, providing a veteran spark off the bench. However, the absence of recently acquired centre Ivica Zubac (ankle) left Indiana vulnerable in the paint. The Knicks took advantage of this interior gap, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson leading the charge to maintain New York’s position as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Head-to-Head History and Rivalry
The Knicks and Pacers share one of the most storied rivalries in NBA history, defined by intense playoff battles in the 1990s and a recent resurgence in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. While the Knicks hold the edge in regular-season victories, the Pacers have historically performed better when the stakes are highest in the postseason.
| Category | New York Knicks | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Total Wins | 124 | 122 |
| Regular Season Wins | 102 | 96 |
| Playoff Game Wins | 24 | 30 |
| Playoff Series Wins | 3 | 5 |
Recent Form and Standings
As of 11 February 2026, the two teams find themselves at opposite ends of the Eastern Conference table:
- New York Knicks: Currently 34–19, sitting 2nd in the East. They have won four of their last five games, recovering well from a mid-January slump.
- Indiana Pacers: Currently 13–40, sitting 15th in the East. The team is currently on a multi-game losing streak and is integrating new pieces like Ivica Zubac following recent trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last playoff series between the Knicks and Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers won the most recent playoff meeting, defeating the Knicks 4–2 in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What is the “8 points in 9 seconds” reference in this rivalry?
This refers to Reggie Miller’s legendary performance in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where he scored eight points in the final nine seconds to lead the Pacers to a stunning comeback victory at Madison Square Garden.
Why did OG Anunoby miss the game on 10 February 2026?
Anunoby was ruled out shortly before tip-off due to persistent toe soreness. It marked his third straight missed game for the Knicks.
When do the Knicks and Pacers play next?
Following the 10 February clash, the teams are scheduled to meet twice more before the end of the 2025-26 regular season, as they play a total of four times annually.