INDIANAPOLIS – The Boston Celtics dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night, and that means we now know the tip time for the pivotal Game 6 of the Indiana Pacers’ playoff series with the New York Knicks.
The Pacers and Knicks will play at 8:30 p.m. on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game will air on ESPN.
Previously, the tip time had been listed as “TBD,” as the possibility existed ESPN would carry an NBA doubleheader on Friday. An “if necessary” Game 6 in the Celtics-Cavs series had been scheduled for 8:30 p.m.; had that game been needed, the Pacers and Knicks would’ve played at 6 p.m. on Friday.
But Boston dominated the Cleveland Wednesday night, wining 113-98 to win the series in five games. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, an unsurprising feat for the East’s top seed and the team that finished with the NBA’s best record at 64-18 in the regular season.
They’ll have a few days to rest as they await their opponent.
The Pacers face a must-win game against the Knicks in Game 6. A loss would bring an end to the season and their playoff run; a win would push the series to a seventh game on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
Indiana looks to rebound from an embarrassing 121-91 loss on Tuesday night, a game that came on the heels of its 121-89 thrashing of New York on Sunday in Game 4.
The Pacers have yet to lose at home in the postseason. They’re 5-0 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during their playoff run and have won 10 straight at home going back to the regular season.
A “Gold Out” will be in effect for Friday’s Game 6, with all fans in attendance receiving a gold t-shirt.