The New York Knicks made a statement on Friday night by defeating the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, 119-81, in Game 6 of their second-round playoff series. This victory secured their place in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, who previously eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in their series. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins confidently predicted the outcome of the Knicks-Pacers matchup, favoring the Knicks to win in seven games.

Perkins highlighted the health of key players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby compared to last season's playoffs, when they faced the Pacers in a tough seven-game series. He emphasized that the Knicks now have an enhanced roster with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, making them a formidable opponent. While praising Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers, Perkins asserted that Brunson's leadership would ultimately guide New York to victory in what promises to be an intense series.