3 Opponents we'd like to see the Pacers open the 2024-25 season against

May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) push each other away to intercept the ball during the second quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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1. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are an obvious choice for the Pacers to face in their first game of the 2024-25 season.

Like the Celtics, the Knicks went up against the Pacers in the second round of the 2024 Playoffs. Despite taking a 2-0 series lead, the Knicks ultimately got eliminated by the Pacers in Game 7. Additionally, as the Celtics did to them, the Pacers ended the Knicks' season on their home court in Madison Square Garden.

However, the Pacers-Knicks rivalry goes back beyond 2024. When talking about the hatred the two teams have for each other, everybody immediately thinks of their battles in the 1990s. More specifically, names like Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, and John Starks come to mind.

Also, in June, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had a moment against Knicks star Jalen Brunson on an episode of WWE's Friday Night Smackdown. Though this particular moment was likely just done in good fun, it is indicative of the genuine, real-life rivalry the two teams and their fanbases have against each other.

Additionally, with the Knicks' acquisition of Mikal Bridges, they are going to be a serious threat to come out of the Eastern Conference next season. If there is one ideal opponent for the Pacers to open their 2024-25 campaign against, it is the Knicks.

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