New York Knicks Host Struggling Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference Clash

The New York Knicks (34-19) host the Indiana Pacers (13-40) at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in a matchup highlighting the stark contrast between Eastern Conference contenders and pretenders. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET as the Knicks look to capitalize on their home court advantage against a Pacers team mired in one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

The Knicks enter the contest as the second-place team in the Eastern Conference, having built an impressive 34-19 record through 53 games. New York has established themselves as legitimate contenders in the East, combining strong defense with efficient offensive execution. The Knicks have thrived at Madison Square Garden this season, where they've consistently protected home court against weaker opponents. Their 21-game advantage over the visiting Pacers in the standings reflects the massive gap in quality between these two franchises at this point in the season.

Indiana arrives in New York sporting a dismal 13-40 record that has them anchored at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have struggled mightily on both ends of the floor, posting the conference's worst record and facing questions about their roster construction and future direction. Road games have been particularly challenging for Indiana, who have found victories hard to come by away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers' struggles this season have already shifted focus toward the draft lottery and potential offseason moves.

This matchup represents a significant opportunity for the Knicks to pad their record against inferior competition while continuing to build momentum in their pursuit of home-court advantage in the playoffs. New York's coaching staff will emphasize the importance of not overlooking a desperate opponent, even one with Indiana's poor record. The Knicks have proven capable of dominant performances against struggling teams, but complacency remains a concern when facing opponents with nothing to lose.

For the Pacers, this game offers a chance for young players to gain valuable experience against quality opposition in one of the NBA's most iconic venues. Indiana's coaching staff has increasingly used the second half of the season to evaluate their younger roster pieces and determine which players fit into the franchise's long-term plans. Development has become the priority over wins as the Pacers look ahead to the offseason and potential roster reconstruction.

The Knicks-Pacers series has historically featured competitive basketball, but this season's gap in quality suggests a comfortable home victory for New York is the most likely outcome. However, the NBA's unpredictability means Indiana will look to play spoiler and potentially grab a surprising road win. The game provides contrasting narratives: the Knicks solidifying their playoff positioning versus the Pacers playing for pride and individual development in a lost season.