Pacers Advance to Conference Finals; Knicks, Timberwolves on Brink of Elimination

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs heats up Wednesday with two pivotal Game 5s, as teams inch closer to the conference finals.

On Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers secured their place in the Eastern Conference finals by ousting the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. The Pacers’ victory marks their first trip to the conference finals since last season.

The New York Knicks hold a commanding 3-1 lead over the defending champion Boston Celtics and have a chance to eliminate them tonight. Complicating matters for Boston, star forward Jayson Tatum has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles.

The Timberwolves are also in a strong position, leading 3-1 against the Golden State Warriors. Minnesota aims for its second consecutive conference finals appearance, while the Warriors will try to rally without their star Stephen Curry, who suffered a hamstring strain in Game 1.

“Every game counts at this stage,” said Pacers center Myles Turner. “We are ready for the next challenge.”

Tonight’s schedule features:

• Game 5: Celtics vs. Knicks at 7 p.m. ET on TNT/Max (New York leads 3-1)
• Game 5: Timberwolves vs. Warriors at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT/Max (Minnesota leads 3-1)

Additional matchups are lined up for later in the week, including a potential Game 6 for the Nuggets and Thunder on Thursday.

As the playoffs progress, excitement builds across the league with fans eager for a glimpse of the teams that could compete for the NBA championship beginning June 5.