Kendrick Perkins Picks Winner of Knicks-Pacers Series Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 17, 2025 7:34 AM ET

The New York Knicks grabbed headlines on Friday night after they took down the defending champions Boston Celtics, in Game 6 of their second-round NBA playoffs series, 119-81.

The Knicks closed out the series with a big win at Madison Square Garden to book their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, who have been waiting in the wings after they eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on the upcoming Knicks-Pacers series, and the outspoken sportscaster had no hesitation as he predicted the next Eastern Conference Champions.

"I got Knicks in seven," Perkins declared. "Perfect opportunity for the New York Knicks to get their lick back. Hell, the Pacers took – hell, the Knicks took the Pacers to seven games last year, and Jalen Brunson, I believe, had a, what, fractured thumb. You had Josh Hart. He had an abdominal strain. You had O. G. Ananobi. He was dealing with a hamstring issue.

Perkins pointed out that last season, the Knicks were able to push the Pacers to seven games in their second-round series despite injuries to Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby. According to Perkins, the fact that this trio is now healthy, coupled with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to the roster, makes New York a very formidable threat to Indiana.

"I believe this Knicks team is going to be ready for the Pacers," he continued, "I'm not underestimating the Pacers. They play agenda-free basketball. They have a hell of a coach in Rick Carlisle."

Perkins heaped praise on Indiana superstar Tyrese Haliburton and his talents, but the ESPN analyst is adamant that Haliburton is not at the same level as Brunson.

"I think Big Body Brunson, along with Josh Hart's leadership, is going to take this Knicks team to the NBA Finals. It's going to go seven games. It's going to be a brawl for it all. But I got the Knicks winning this series in seven," Perkins shared his projection.

Game 1 in MSG will be on Wednesday, and if Perkins' prediction turns out to be correct, then the fans can look forward to a long series ahead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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