Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Charles Barkley Predicts Winner Of Knicks-Pacers Series

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 23, 2025 6:26 PM ET

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are currently in the middle of an Eastern Conference finals series.

After the Pacers won Game 1 by a score of 138-135 (in overtime), Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley spoke about why he thinks they will win the series (h/t House of Highlights).

Kenny Smith asked: "Do you think the New York Knicks can play a seven-game series with the Indiana Pacers playing only seven player in double-figured minutes?"

Barkley: "That's why I picked the Pacers to win this series... The Knicks look tired... The Pacers going to play like this every game... We're gonna play every other day now."

The Pacers had a remarkable comeback, as they trailed by double-digits late in the fourth quarter.

Tyrese Haliburton also made a buzzer-beater to send the game to overtime.

Via Ben Golliver of The Washington Post: "The Knicks had a 99.7 win percentage when they led by 14 points with 2:51 left in fourth quarter of ECF Game 1 overtime loss to Pacers."

The Knicks had a 99.7 win percentage when they led by 14 points with 2:51 left in fourth quarter of ECF Game 1 overtime loss to Pacers. pic.twitter.com/LqRi0LZJVf
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 22, 2025

Haliburton went off for 31 points and 11 assists while shooting 12/23 from the field in 42 minutes of playing time.

Via The NBA: "Tyrese Haliburton's clutch heroics and Aaron Nesmith's 4th quarter takeover pushed the Pacers to a 1-0 series lead in OT.

Following an instant classic in Game 1, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks aim to even things tonight.

ECF Game 2: IND/NYK tips at 8:00pm/et on TNT."

Tyrese Haliburton's clutch heroics and Aaron Nesmith's 4th quarter takeover pushed the Pacers to a 1-0 series lead in OT.

Following an instant classic in Game 1, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks aim to even things tonight.

ECF Game 2: IND/NYK tips at 8:00pm/et… pic.twitter.com/iTKBBc1X2p
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2025