2025 NBA Playoffs: Pacers become the biggest dark horse, the Eastern Conference is subverting

May 14, 2025 - This season, the NBA playoffs are frequently unpopular, and many teams not favored have shown amazing strength. Among them, the Indiana Pacers became the biggest dark horse, eliminating the Bucks 4-1 in the first round, and defeating the Eastern Conference No. 1 Cavaliers 4-1 in the second round, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals strongly.

The Rise of Dark Horse: Why should Pacers win?

All the Nationals: The starting five players averaged over 14 points per game, had sufficient substitutes and a distinctive team basketball style.

Key Ball Ability: Two 20-point reversals, including a 7-point turnaround + a final kill, showing super toughness.

Efficient Offense: First in the league in the playoffs shooting percentage (over 50%), averaged 30+ assists per game, and had strong tactical execution.

Lineup Balanced: Turner's three-point shooting percentage is 45%, both offense and defense; Halliburton's organization is stable, and Siakam's output is stable.

Eastern Conference changes: The traditional powerful are out

Cavaliers (64 wins and 18 losses) are strong in the regular season, but they are eliminated by the Pacers 1-4 in the playoffs.

Celtics (defensive champion) fell behind the Knicks 1-3 and was on the verge of being eliminated.

Eastern Conference Finals may become the Knicks VS Pacers, and the small-season team will make a comeback.

This season has proved that team basketball can still beat the superstar lineup. Can the Pacers be beaten to the end? The new king of the Eastern Conference is about to be born! What do you think about this? Welcome to the comment section to share your views.